Dr. James R. Maloney

Dr. James R. Maloney, age 85, of Plainfield, IL, was the second of two children born to Ralph and Mary (nee Laraway) Maloney, on September 25, 1938. He grew up in Joliet and graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1956. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Northern Illinois University in 1960, a Master of Arts (MA) from Southern Illinois University in 1962, and a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree from the University of Illinois in 1977. Following completion of his MA in 1962, James volunteered for the selective service and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in the Army for two years, principally with the G2 element of the 4th Infantry Division in Washington State and Alaska.

After returning to civilian life, James took a teaching position with the Joliet Township High School district 204, where he worked as an educator and administrator for more than 30 years. In the classroom, James taught American history and social sciences. Over time, he assumed increasing leadership roles in District 204 educational administration and ultimately served as Assistant Principal of Joliet Township Central High School from 1989 to 1993, and as Principal from 1993 until his retirement in 1995.

A lifelong musician, James sang in the high school chorus and performed leading roles in school musical productions. He continued to sing both as a soloist and member of various ensemble groups through college and beyond, performing as a church soloist, choir member, and for weddings. James also led an active post-retirement life as a volunteer and member of the local Plainfield community and was a founding member of the Plainfield YMCA. He recorded books and periodicals for the blind, served as an instructor for students leaning English as a second language, volunteered with the Plainfield Historical Association, and served as president of his local homeowner’s association.

James married Diane Ruth Nordin of Downers Grove, Il in 1965 to whom he was devoted and lovingly married for the next 57 years, until her death in March 2022. During their long and happy life together, James and Diane shared a passion for international travel and life-long learning. They traveled the world and ultimately visited every continent other than Antarctica. At their Lake House, James and Diane regularly hosted charity fundraisers for veterans, children with disabilities, and other charitable groups. For many years, they also opened their home to young active-duty service members from Naval Station Great Lakes to share holidays if they could not be home with their own loved ones.

James passed away peacefully at his home in Plainfield, IL on August 31, 2024. In addition to his wife Diane, James was preceded in death by his older sister, Nancy and son-in-law, Dennis Hunke. He is survived by his son, Joel Maloney of Vienna, VA; his daughter, Katherine Maloney of Plainfield, IL; and his four grandchildren, Devon, Morgan, Jacob, and Jackie. He will also be greatly missed by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and his many friends and associates in the Chicago area and around the country who loved and respected a man of significant professional accomplishments and who was a devoted husband, father, friend, veteran, and member of his community.

Future inurnment: Plainfield Township Cemetery, Plainfield, IL.

Arrangements by Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Plainfield, IL.

For more information, please call (815) 436-9221 or visit www.overman-jones.com