James P Bryant

James Patrick Bryant, 74, was returned to the universe on January 6, 2026. Jim was born February 15, 1951 in Danville, Illinois, #4 son of Leo and Harriet (McCollum) Bryant. He is predeceased by his mother and father, his wife Debra, his brother Ed, Ed’s wife Kay, and his brother Mike.

After a childhood in central Illinois; Jim’s middle and high school years were in the northwest Chicago suburbs. Following graduation from Prospect High School, Jim attended NIU in Dekalb where he earned a degree in computer science.

Jim started his career at NIU in 1973 on keypunch machines, later as application programmer and systems analyst. In the 1980s he moved to the Office of Budget and Planning where he focused first on capital planning and later on operating budgets. In the 1990s he became IT manager for the Physical Plant Department. Later he was named Director of Architectural and Engineering Services, overseeing construction and remodeling projects. He retired after 13 years in that position with a total of 32 years at NIU.

In 1975 Jim married Nancy (Degen) Wrenn and her daughter Lora Lee. After living five years in Genoa, during which time daughter Stephanie was born, they moved to rural DeKalb County to be closer to NIU where both parents were employed.

Their marriage ended in divorce in 2001. He then relocated to Ogle County, buying a farmette near Mount Morris in 2003. Later that year he married Debra (Gilmer) Schlarb and her children Rory and Dayna, of Oregon. Together they planned and built a home of 19th century design with 21st century amenities to replace the original farmhouse.

Jim’s interest in politics was sparked in 1963 when he saw JFK dedicate O’Hare Airport. In Ogle County, he joined the Democratic Central Committee, eventually becoming Chairman. Party events allowed him to meet numerous officials, including US Senator Durbin, Governor Pritzker, and then-VP Biden.

Pets were another constant in his life, cats and dogs. Family joked that he was a cat whisperer. He didn’t seek them out; they found him. He could easily recall the names of more than 30 cats that joined his clowder over the years, plus innumerable kittens, for which he found suitable homes.

Throughout his life he saw potential in items that others would discard. He restored heirloom furniture and kept old vehicles running for decades. He researched family genealogy back six generations and organized family photographs back to the 1840s. Jim loved family, however it was extended. He was proud of his roots and his descendants.

Jim is survived by his brother Tom (& Donica) Bryant of Cary; sister-in-law Dianne (Gilmer) Nathan; father-in-law Larry Gilmer; his daughter Stephanie (& Mathew) Freistadt of Plainfield; his daughter Lora (& James) McGrath of Marshall, VA; his son Rory (& Kelly) Schlarb of Aurora; daughter Dayna (& Jacob) Greer of Byron; nine grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Sunday January 18, 2026 from 12:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. in Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL. A memorial will be held on Sunday January 18, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. in Finch Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donate to FSTV.org/donate for humanity or ASPCA.org for animals.