James Franklin Seward

James Franklin Seward of Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood was born June 19, 1951 on the far Southside of Chicago and passed into Eternal Life on May 28, 2022.

Beloved husband of Merry Beth nee Pearse for 48 years, whom he met in first grade at Kellogg Elementary School.

Extraordinarily proud and devoted father, teacher, and fan of Betsy (Dave & Caroline) Duke-Nisbet, & Karey (Andrew) MacDonald both living in Beverly/Morgan Park today.

Loving son of the late Jeanne nee Lindeman & Robert Seward who taught him his love of fishing at an early age.

Cherished youngest brother of Scott (Gail), Terry (Lynn), twin brother John (Debbie), & the late Bob & Rich (Linda).

Proud uncle of many nieces & nephews (both biological and adoptive).

Dearest friend of many, especially Don Hayner, Henri Boucher, & the late Roger Findley III.

Jim started his life as an avid fisherman on the Chicago and Michigan shorelines. He played on the football team at Morgan Park High School and at Lawrence University and continued his career in football at the Annual Turkey Bowl in the Dan Ryan Woods, which will have its 59th anniversary this fall. In 1992 Jim founded Professional Sales Affiliates after leaving Bell/AT&T where he was well loved by his partners and staff alike. When that business sold in 1999, Jim became an amateur bird photographer and achieved his lifelong dream of being able to fish anywhere anytime.

Please join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Jim “The Catfish” Seward.  Resting at Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn where Memorial Services will take place Saturday June 4th at 11:00 am.  Visitation, also at Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home will be Friday June 3rd from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Jim’s legacy ripples on like the waves of Glen Lake, finding no distinction between friends or family. If you’re reading this, take a piece of Jim with you: love boundlessly, go outside, and don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to help conserve and protect his favorite place by making a donation to The Glen Lake Association, 6406 Western Ave. Glen Arbor, Michigan 49636 or www.glenlakeassociation.org  in Jim’s name.

 To view the livestream of Services Saturday at 11:00 am : www.memorialslive.com/seward