James Monroe Bataille

He was born in Chicago, IL on March 21, 1938 to Gerald S. Bataille and Audrienne Bataille, nee Jones. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judith Bataille, nee Selvig; daughter, Kristine (Paul) Semanic; son, Jamie (Vanessa) Bataille; grandson, Michael Semanic; and many nieces and nephews. He was also close to his sister-in-law, Susan. He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: Audrienne, Gerald, Suzanne, Jeanne, and William.

Jim’s early years were spent in Appleton, WI, and in 1950 his family moved to Wauconda, IL. He started working at the age of 13 and enjoyed many interesting jobs including his favorite job as a lifeguard at Phil’s Beach. In 1956 he moved to Chicago to begin his art career. He joined the YMCA Chorus and met his future wife, Judith, at a friend's New Year's Eve party. They formed many lifelong friendships through this chorus.

In 1961 he entered the US Army for Basic Training at Fort Knox, KY. Jim and Judith got married in the chapel on base in 1962 and he was honorably discharged in 1963. He was very proud to be a US Veteran. From 1963-67 Jim and Judith traveled throughout the US and Europe. In 1967 they moved to Skokie, and in 1975 they moved to Des Plaines. They enjoyed over 40 years in their home on the Des Plaines River except for the 4 major floods in 1986, 1987, 2008, 2013. For over 25 of those years in Des Plaines they loved the companionship of their cats - Spooky, Bart and Misty. For 14 years they also enjoyed traveling to and spending time in Daytona Beach, FL. Wherever he lived, Jim took great pride in his landscaping and nicely cut lawn.

Jim started his 6-decade career as a graphic artist working for Vogue Wright. He later worked for Nugent Wenckus and Barney Donley, and in 1972 he formed his own company called JBI in Des Plaines, IL. In 1989 he and his partner Norm Nanstiel created a new company called BN Creative and they worked together until 2010. If you remember flipping through a Sears, Wards or Aldens catalog then you've probably seen the result of his design work. Jim continued to do freelance projects through the fall of 2022.

Jim appreciated many genres of music, but we all know his favorite was cowboy music. He loved entertaining! He became known as Ranger Jim, and his guitar was always nearby. He enjoyed many guitar duo partnerships starting in the late-1950s, including years singing with his brother Bill and many friends, and continued to sing and play through 2022. He brought his Ranger Jim act to Wild West Town, and he was proud to sing with the Arlingtones and Chicago Metro Chorus as well as with his church choir at Grace Lutheran. He really treasured his Wednesday morning singing sessions with the Grace Preschool kids - they were always excited to see Ranger Jim with his cowboy hat.

Jim was an active supporter of the Northwest Symphony Orchestra. In 2002 he won “Volunteer of the Year” from the Illinois Council of Orchestras for his tireless efforts in promoting the NSO. He was a long time Board Member and in 2022 he took on the role of Sales Manager. He designed brochures, programs, fliers, posters and postcards, greeted the audience at concerts, and did anything he could to showcase this wonderful local community orchestra.

Jim was very involved in the lives of his children and grandson. He attended all of Kris's childhood ice skating shows, and later her violin recitals and concerts. They enjoyed a trip to Australia together in 1990. He coached Jamie's Little League teams for 9 years, attended his hockey games, and enjoyed cheering at numerous sporting events at Stetson University in DeLand, FL. Jim's love of performing was passed down to his grandson, Michael, and he could often be heard in the audience of his shows singing along, laughing, and announcing "that's my grandson!" He loved his many nieces and nephews as well as all of his dear friends who were like family to him.

Jim enjoyed relatively good health for most of his life until his stroke in early 2020. He worked hard to recover with the assistance of various therapies including time spent at Synapse House for stroke recovery late in 2020. Ranger Jim visited and performed there upon "graduation" in gratitude for all they did to help him rehabilitate after his stroke.

Jim was a true friend to all of us here today and a mentor to so many. As one of his clients recently wrote: "Jim was my most favored business and life mentor. I was a very lucky man to have his guidance and friendship." He lived a full and happy life - leaving a legacy of music and laughter. As we've all heard him say... "Happy Trails!"

A memorial visitation will be held Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 12:15pm until time of memorial service from 1:00-3:00pm, with a sing-along at 3:00pm, in Elk Grove Village. Please contact the family for the location of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to any of these wonderful organizations that Jim supported are greatly appreciated:

Synapse House (Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation) - https://synapsehouse.org/help-our-cause

Northwest Symphony Orchestra - https://northwestsymphony.org/donate/

Grace Lutheran Church - http://www.gracemtprospect.org/services-view/gifts/

Buddy Foundation (Pet Charity) - https://www.thebuddyfoundation.org/donate/