James E. Hope

James Edward “Jim” Hope, 81, of Batavia, passed away Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at Michaelsens Health Center in Batavia, with his loving family by his side.

He was born September 17, 1940, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Lawrence and Kathleen (Mules) Hope.

Jim graduated from the California Maritime Academy in 1961.  Upon graduation he sailed with MSTS.  After marrying Marie, on September 8, 1962 they moved to Long Beach, CA where he became an engineer for Pacific Pumps Division of Dresser Industries converting to sales management for both domestic and international sales.

In 1979 Jim was offered a vice presidency with General Signal’s Aurora Pumps in Illinois.  Five years later he became Director of Marketing for ITT Corp’s Fluid Handling Division.  In 2003 he retired as Director of Business Development.

Jim had a love for sports which showed through his many years of coaching softball both here and in California.

Jim loved to travel and spend time with Marie at their lake house in Wisconsin.  His proudest accomplishments by far were his three children, and being “Papop” to his ten grandchildren.  Nothing made him happier than spending time with his family.  Jim’s kind and generous heart was truly evident to everyone he met.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Marie (Costa) Hope; children Chris (Ray) Pawlak of Geneva, James (Stephanie) of Geneva, and Stacy (Tom) Wells of Batavia; grandchildren Kiley, Sami, and Matthew Pawlak, Rachel, Katie, Tim, and Craig Hope, Danny, Mia, and Joey Wells; brother David (Deborah) of Santa Rosa, California; sisters-in-law Joyce and Colleen Hope of California; and many other dear relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Larry and Bob Hope.

A visitation for James will be held Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 9:30 am until the time of his Celebration of Funeral Mass at 12:00 pm at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2300 Main Street, Batavia, with Father Jared Twenty, Celebrant. 

Burial will follow at River Hills Memorial Park in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2300 Main Street, Batavia, Illinois 60510.

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva.  For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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