James Kosmond 1935-2016
James grew up on Chicago's South Pulaski Street in the formerly Czechoslovakian neighborhood, attending Farragut High School with his cousins and sister. He attended Bradley University and graduated at the top of his class at Northwestern University School of Law ('59). James specialized in civil defense but was an outstanding litigator in a broad spectrum of law. James learned from his mentor the great Chicago attorney Barnabas Sears as well as from his dear friend and assistant Sandra Wasinski. A tenacious opponent, he felt strongly that no person should be wrongfully maligned. He was a compassionate, tough attorney, settling or winning what many considered futile cases. He had a special place in his heart for his peers in the legal profession, but especially Anthony Madormo and Gretchen Cepek.
James loved reading, history, travel, sports, friendships, and Chicago's thriving nightlife, particularly musicals and fine dining. He was a passionate sports fan, cheering all Chicago teams, with a particular love for his Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks, and Bears. James' great memory was a trip with friends to New Orleans to watch the Bears win the Super Bowl. In later years, he treasured sports talk and games with his grandson James Richard Helmuth, whom he now joins in eternal peace.
James also joins his wife, Nancy Lee Hecht; his mother, Louise Marie Loula; his father, James Dominick; and his son, Raymond James. James was a kind father, a loving brother, and a devoted husband. James leaves behind his sister, Loula Louise Kosmond Carlini, daughters Julie Marie (Michel Murray) and Lisa Diane (Jeff Helmuth) and grandchildren Christopher James Murray, Gillian Lisa-Marie Murray and Jack Benjamin Helmuth. James will be interred with his wife Nancy at Memory Gardens in Arlington Heights. Loved ones will celebrate James' life at Bohemian Crystal. In lieu of cards or flowers, please support the James Helmuth Memorial Fund, a charity in James' grandson's memory serving children and elderly.