Jim Buschbach, Oak Lawn Civic And Business Leader, Dies At 89

OAK LAWN, IL — James A. “Jim” Buschbach, whose family-owned insurance company has been part of the Oak Lawn community for more than 60 years, died after an illness on Feb. 3. He was 89.

A funeral service is planned for 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 8, from Thompson-Kuenster Funeral Home, to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5570 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn, for the service at 10 a.m. To view the livestream service go to: memorialslive.com/buschbach

If there was an illustration next to the definition of “civic leader,” there would be a picture of Jim Buschbach. He was the proud owner of Buschbach Insurance and World Travel Mart at 95th Street and Central Avenue. Jim and his wife, Joan, contributed their talent and treasure to many civic organizations and community endeavors. Chances are if you enjoyed a visit to the children’s museum, attended a festival or leafed through an ad book for your school, the Buschbach was attached to it.

One seldom saw Jim without his wife Joan by his side. During periods of sniping Oak Lawn politics, Buschbach remained above the fray, supporting all local campaigns.

“They appreciated all ideas and viewpoints,” the couple’s son, Jim, told Patch, one of four generations of Jim Buschbachs.

Buschbach lived in Oak Lawn for over 60 years. In 1958, Jim and Joan opened Buschbach Insurance. He emerged as a leader in the community, serving on many boards and helping turn visions into reality, including:

- Advocate Christ Medical Center Governing Council

- Founder and chairman of the development committee for Advocate Children’s Hospital (Hope) in Oak Lawn.

- Member and past president of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce

- A founder and first chairman of the Oak Lawn Parks Foundation

- A member of the Oak Lawn Community Partnership Executive Committee

- Instrumental in the founding and success of Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn

- Member and past president of the church council at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

At age 85, Buschbach ran and won his first and only elected office as an Oak Lawn Park District Commissioner in 2017. He loved golf and tennis. Buschbach remained active in his insurance business up until his death.

“It was my honor to know and work with Jim in so many ways to the benefit of our community,” Dist. 229 Supt. Dr. Michael Riordan said in the online tribute on the Thompson-Kuenster Funeral Home website. “Thank you for all of your support for [Oak Lawn Community High School] over the years.”

“Jim Buschbach was a long-standing member of the community and his passing will be felt in so many ways,” said Anne Fritz, executive director of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce. “Prayers to his family and all that knew him.”

“I worked for Jim and Joan for 15 years, right out of college … The Buschbachs’ always treated me like family,” said Keith Fox, a former employee. “I have a great deal to thank Jim and Joan for over all those years. Every time I drive past their building brings back good memories of my years working with them. The family and the community have lost a very special man who will never be forgotten.”

Jim was the beloved husband of Joan (Horton) and loving father to Cindy (the late Ralph) Maynard, Christine Buschbach, Cathy (Michael) Hanus, and Jim (Joanna) Buschbach. He took great pleasure in his grandchildren, Ron (Wendy), Heather (Michael), Veronica, Deborah (Jeff), Patricia, Sebastian, James (Jackie), Steven and Jenny, and the proud great-grandfather of Joe, Julia, Alexis, Renee and James (LBJ), according to his obituary.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in James Buschbach’s name to the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn, 5100 Museum Drive, Oak Lawn 60053. Online condolences may be made on Thompson-Kuenster.

Patch had the pleasure of interviewing Jim on the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Oak Lawn Tornado.