James M. LaBeau, Jr., 88, of Island Lake, IL, passed away on March 30, 2026. He was born on August 8, 1937, in Monroe, Michigan, the son of Elizabeth M. (Hess) and James M. LaBeau, Sr.
Jim lived his life with enthusiasm. Growing up, he played baseball, football, and boxed, and loved all sports. With this passion, football scholarships led him through colleges before he enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he learned to fly planes. After an honorable discharge, he completed his bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of Dayton. Following that, he moved his young family to the Chicago suburbs, where he worked in sales for IBM and Maxxar Corporation, supporting businesses and credit unions with computer systems. Over the years, Jim's passion for football, golf, fishing, and family diversified as extended generations bloomed.
With more lives than a herd of cats, Jim's cumulative life experiences paved the way for epic stories by which to remember him.
Jim is survived by his former wife, Kathleen LaBeau; children, Steve LaBeau, Nicole LaBeau, Courtney (Julian) Catanzaro, Megan (Doug) Matt, Mark (Kylie) LaBeau, and Paul LaBeau; grandchildren, Xavier and Remy Catanzaro, Henry LaBeau, Kate and Nathan Matt, and Barrett and Marlie LaBeau; siblings, Mary (Mark) Sisco, Tom (Doris) LaBeau, Beth Dusseau, and Jon (Amy) LaBeau, sisters-in-law; Pam LaBeau and Miriam LaBeau and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Ron LaBeau and Fred LaBeau, and brother-in-law Tom Dusseau.
Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 1-3 pm at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, Michigan, 48161. Interment and services will be private.
Memorial donations under his name may be made out to St. Charles Catholic Cemetery, 8033 N. Dixie Highway, Newport, MI 48166; 734-586-2531.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .