James Mateja

James "Jim" Lawrence Mateja, 71, of Lindenhurst, formerly of Gurnee, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 30, 2017 at Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview. Jim was the First Founder and Past President of Midwest Automotive Media Association; had a strong faith in God, and was a longtime parishioner of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Wadsworth. He wrote two books in which he was the sole author, and one book which he co-authored. Jim had a deep love for his family, especially his grandchildren. He will always be remembered as a peacemaker, mentor, someone who brought people/families together, and made connections with everyone he knew. He leaves to cherish his loving memory, wife of 51 years, whom he married on August 14, 1965 in Grayslake, Susan L. (Jeschke) Mateja aka "The Bottle Blonde," "#1 Son," Brad (Lori) Mateja; twin daughters, "Twin #1," Gina Winiewicz and "Twin #2," Dana (Adam) Slotkus; "Daughter #3," Aimee (Todd) Geiger-Wight; brothers, Gerald (Louanne) Mateja and Phillip (Judith) Mateja; sister-in-law, Beverly (David) Allen; grandchildren, Jac Mateja, Ashley Winiewicz and Taylor Slotkus; nieces and nephews, Marilyn Drennan, Godchild Rick Mateja, Karen Kraus, Scott Mateja, Cheryl Mateja, Jeffrey Mateja, Kerri Allen, Courtney Allen, Godchild Todd Washburn, and Godchild Stacey Beshel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary (Mesec) Mateja; son-in-law, Christopher Winiewicz; grandchildren, Peyton Mateja and Haylie Winiewicz. Visitation is Friday, Feb. 3, 2017 from 3-8pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 15000 W. Wadsworth Rd., Wadsworth, IL. Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017 at 10am with visitation from 9-10am at the church. Fr. James Merold will officiate the mass. A private family interment will take place at Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Sue would like to make multiple donations on Jim's behalf to his favorite charitable organizations; please make checks payable to Susan Mateja.

Memorial donations may be made to:

Saint Patrick Church
15000 W. Wadsworth Road, Wadsworth, IL 60083-9502
Attention: Food Pantry or Soup Kitchen
Please note: "In memory of Jim Mateja"

SIDS of Illinois, Inc.
6010 Route 53, Suite A
Lisle, IL 60532
Attention: Nancy Maruyama
Please note: "In memory of Jim Mateja"