James Norman Kosmond

KOSMOND, JAMES N. James Norman Kosmond (b. Chicago 1935) gently passed at Agrace Hospice April 16, 2016. The cherished, devoted son of Louise Marie Loula and James Dominick Kosmond, James was the loving brother of Loula Carlini, proud uncle to Richard and Perry Carlini, and loving cousin to Stanley and Frank Loula. James joined Nancy Lee Hecht (d. 1996) in marriage as he graduated at the top of his class at Northwestern Law School ('59). James protectively fathered Julie Marie (Michel Murray), Lisa Diane (Jeff Helmuth) and Raymond James (d. 1968) and cherished his grandchildren, Christopher and Gillian of Ottawa, Canada, and Jack and James (d. 2013) of Middleton, Wisconsin. James's 45 years as a Chicago litigator and trial attorney was infused with brilliance, compassion, toughness, and determination. Simply put, he never gave up. His strength and hard work earned professional accolades, managing partner, a stellar legal record, and many client friendships. James felt that no person should be wrongfully maligned; his relentless pursuit of justice earned him figurines from his beloved assistant Sandra Wasinski (Chicago) of Don Quixote battling windmills. His inherent strength lifted him to recovery from meningitis to live out 13 more years in Middleton. James never admitted pain and never faltered on his schedule of reading, Walker Texas Ranger, daily jumble, sports and late night TV (good jokes). A history buff, James treated his family to historic adventures. James served as president of Illinois' District 62 school board for many years, hiring an outstanding superintendent and admirable teachers. Dad loved good times with friends, sports, parties, and Chicago's magnificent night life especially restaurants and musicals. James shared his many jokes and stories with well-loved caretakers as he reminisced about his courtroom battles. We are eternally grateful for dad's loving caretakers, Agrace HospiceCare, Gunderson Funeral Home and our Middleton neighbors who never hesitated to help Dad. A celebration of James' life will be held at the Bohemian Crystal in Chicago. In lieu of cards or flowers, please support the James Helmuth Memorial Benefit Fund, serving children and elderly in our community. http://www.rally.org/jamesrhelmuth. Learn more: https://goo.gl/9sXCp7 Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761