John James Cronin
John James Cronin, 72, passed away from complications of leukemia on September 16 surrounded by his family at home in La Grange Park, Illinois. John is survived by his wife Bonny, daughters Amy (Kellen) and Laura, son Tom (fiancé Molli), grandchildren Kaylee and Cal, sister Jana, and six brothers Don (Michelle), Wally (Viola), Bill (Mindy), Dave, Steve (Darice), Pete (Sue). He was preceded in death by his infant son Jack.
John grew up in River Forest, the son of Valla and John Cronin, graduated from St. Luke’s elementary school and Fenwick High School, where he was on the swim team. He had a lifelong devotion to Fenwick and was extraordinarily close to a large and enduring group of friends from school. He went on to graduate from John Carroll University and Chicago-Kent College of Law. After graduating law school, he joined the Cook County State’s attorney’s office as a prosecutor, where many more lasting friendships developed. John joined his Uncle Tom’s law firm in 1988 and helped grow it to the law firm Cronin, Peters and Cook, where he spent most of his professional career in the field of workers’ compensation.
He met the love of his life, Bonny, through mutual friends and they married in May of 1978.
John was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling the world with Bonny, who was a United flight attendant. He worked to improve the Cook County legal system through committee positions at the Chicago Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Committee.
John, it seemed, knew everyone in Chicago, and everyone knew and admired him for his humor, great storytelling ability, easygoing nature, loyalty to friends and, in the grand Irish tradition, love of a good time.
A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Friday September 24th at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 124 N. Spring Ave., La Grange. Those unable to attend Mass can view the livestream at https://www.facebook.com/SFXParish.LG/live/ In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood at your local facility. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside. Info: 708-352-6500
Dear Bonnie & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I worked with John in the State’s Attorneys Office. I was a younger guy coming up through the office, and he was one of the seasoned veterans in the trial division. I met him while I was clerking for the office. After we met, he would make time to say hello and to ask me how I was doing. He had an easy going style and he left you with a good story that made you laugh. After talking to him, I always had a smile on my face. He will be truly missed.
Wishing you the best during these difficult times.
Jack Hynes
“Jocko” gave us smiles, laughs, and good times ever since we met as “The Tall Court” as young ASAs – ah, the Good Times. Thanks, John.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Bonny, and family,
Jim & Nancy Varga