James Yorton Obituary

James Yorton

Jim Yorton wasn't one to make a fuss. He made a difference. Quietly, in his own way.

In an age of instant influencers, Jim's impact wasn't conjured overnight out of thin air. It came organically over decades of living a consistent, responsible life. He never told anyone what to think or how to live, but his commonsense actions set a helpful example for many. Jim knew that being a good son, brother, uncle, friend, colleague, neighbor, and committed citizen didn't require fanfare or self-importance.

Jim passed away on February 16, 2025, due to complications of Alzheimer's and a stroke he suffered last Thanksgiving. While his time here was too short, Jim lived a genuinely happy life and found contentment in his daily routines.

Jim spent his adult years in and around Chicago, and the past 20 years in Andersonville, a northside neighborhood that he loved. He never cooked so he kept area establishments thriving. Replay, A Taste of Heaven, The Coffee Studio, Marty's, Pat's Pizza, and Jeni's Ice Cream were favorites. As was Potbelly's, where Jim was so well known, he never actually placed an order. He just stood, half in line, half not in line, mystifying other customers until his Ham and Swiss appeared out of nowhere, like magic trick that always worked.

Jim returned often to his first home, Kenosha, to visit his parents and school friends he made between Roosevelt Elementary and UW-Parkside. When he wasn't at the Pleasant Prairie house where he grew up, you'd find him at Frank's Diner, Kaiser's, Slip 56, Ron's Place or Scoop's Ice Cream (Did we mention that Jim loved ice cream?). He was a lifelong fan of his hometown and had plans to retire by the lakefront.

Other sources of pride for Jim were his 25-year career in Project Management at Motorola, and the work friends who remained in his life till the end. We'd ask, "Jim, what have you been up to?" Invariably, he'd answer, "Oh, hanging out with Motorola friends."

Jim could be passionate about unlikely things. He loved going to his dentist, having his furnace serviced, getting his bike tuned up by the guys on Clark Street, and--cue the angel choir--visiting ABT Electronics, which was a near-religious experience for him.

Jim's deep, abiding love for "The Price Is Right" is also noteworthy. He had a half dozen Price Is Right tee shirts, ventured to Studio 33 in Television City to see the show in person, and was the proud owner, if not reader, of Bob Barker's biography.

But Jim treasured traditional things, too, such as his country and his family. He always had an American flag nearby, on his social media or his walls at home. Late in life, Jim often reflected warmly about family gatherings over birthdays and holidays, and he remained upbeat even as his condition worsened. When friends or family would visit him in his final months, he'd light up and yell just a little too loudly, "Hey! Where've you been?"

Well, Jim, we've been watching you. Admiring your understated competence and great decency. In the years to come, we sense that your influence on us will only grow. We'll channel your memory fondly and try to do what you did: leave the world a little better than you found it.

Jim is survived by his brother Tom (Maria) Yorton of Signal Mountain, Tenn.; and nephews Shane Yorton of Denver, Colo. and Will Yorton of Nashville, Tenn. Jim was preceded in death by his father, James B. Yorton, and mother, Mary E. Yorton of Kenosha, Wis.

Memorial visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Proko Funeral Home, with services commencing at 11:00 a.m.

Proko Funeral Home & Crematory

5111 60th Street

Kenosha, WI 53144

262-654-3533

www.prokofuneralhome.com