James T Sklavanitis

James Thomas Sklavanitis

04/24/1963 – 06/20/2025

James Thomas Sklavanitis passed away peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born on April 24, 1963, in Dixon, Illinois, the son of Michael Ortgiesen and Mary (Hoyle) Ortgiesen. He graduated from Mount Morris High School in 1981. He married the love of his life, Brenda (Stevens) Sklavanitis on September 18, 1993. He started in the meat industry during his high school years at Rude’s Custom Butchering. After graduating, he explored the careers of owning restaurants in both Dixon and Mount Morris called JR’s I and JR’s II before hauling livestock for Larry Schier Trucking. He returned to the meat industry in the early 90’s at Spectrum Preferred Meats in Mount Morris. Most recently Jim started his own meat processing plant, Outback Premium Meats in Forreston, Illinois.

Jim is remembered as a devoted follower of Christ, a loving husband, a proud father, a playful papa, a cherished son, a beloved brother, a loyal friend, and a selfless giver. His life reflected his faith – always serving others, uplifting those in need, and always putting his family and friends before himself. He was the family peacekeeper and always saw the glass as half-full. His legacy lives on in so many ways.

Jim was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. Many times, he would pass on that Big Deer just so one of his boys would get the lucky shot. He loved gardening and caring for the family property. His pride in his work is shown throughout every aspect from the perfectly manicured yard to the chicken house he built for Brenda right before he was diagnosed with cancer. His vegetable garden was better described as a community garden and Jim took great pride in delivering bags of fresh vegetables to his family and friends throughout the summer months. There was no job or project too big for Jim to accomplish. He lived by the famous quote of Dan Gable - “If it was easy, everyone would do it”.

Jim was a true leader in every sense of the word. Whether he was coaching from the edge of the wrestling mat, assisting with IKWF kids, keeping stats for high school football or speed and agility training for half of the OHS football team, he was always there to challenge you when needed and cheer you on for your victories.

Being a papa was truly his greatest joy on earth. He has 3 beautiful granddaughters and wanted more than anything to meet his 1st grandson this November. We know in our hearts that little man will have a Guardian Angel over him for his entire life. Make us proud Little Man, love Papa.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Brenda, his 3 children: Jake (Jaclyn) Sklavanitis of Mount Morris, Illinois; Brandon (Georgina) Sklavanitis of Rockford, Illinois; Jasmine Sklavanitis of Nashville, Tennessee. His grandchildren: Matalyn Sklavanitis, Morgan “James” Sklavanitis, Ellis “James” Sklavanitis. His parents Michael and Mary Ortgiesen. His sisters: Kim (Doug) Rienstra, Tina (Rich) Hummel, Kate Sklavanitis, Krista Ortgiesen along with several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his maternal grandparents Edward & Cecil Hoyle, paternal grandfather Thomas Sklavanitis and grandparents Clinton & Mildred Ortgiesen.

Visitation will be held at Finch Funeral Home on Friday, June 27th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

Funeral Services will be held at Finch Funeral Home on Saturday, June 28th at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be distributed to his favorite groups and charities at a later date.