James J. Kalabsa

James J. Kalabsa, 78 of Streator passed away Sunday, November 1, 2026 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 PM Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at Hagi & Schultz Funeral Home, Streator, with a prayer service to be held at 5:30 PM. Graveside service with military honors will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood at 1:00 PM Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

James was born January 13, 1948 in North Riverside, a son of Barney and Vivian (Drexler) Kalabsa.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Pam Van Slette; four sons, Mike Kalabsa of Sanford, MI, Allen Kalabsa of Warsaw, IN, Mitchel (DeeDee) Kalabsa of Naples, FL and Tony (Rhi Keene) Kalabsa of Braceville, IL; 10 grandchildren, AJ, Alayna, Adam, Henry, Emma, Anna, Samantha, Jade, Ashley and Savannah: two brothers, John (Paula) Kalabsa of Berwin and Larry (Ryoko) Kalabsa of Tasmania, Australia; and one sister, Corrine (Tony) DiGirolamo of Milford, Massachusetts.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Cheryl Kalabsa; and a grandson, Shane Kalabsa.

Jim was a Vietnam Veteran having served 2 tours from 1967 to 1969 in the United States Marines Corp. He worked out of the Pipefitters Local 597 and received his 50-year pin.

Jim was an avid fisherman and gun enthusiast. He loved his Harley Davidsons, boats, guns and his dogs. He enjoyed working on and restoring old Porsche’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to your favorite Humane Society.