James (Jim) Peter Zaverdas, 74, was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Peter and Georgia Zaverdas on July 10, 1951. Jim lived his life with a massive heart and playful spirit.

A lifelong mischief-maker, he honed his craft at Plato Elementary and Austin High School (Class of 1969). He was the guy having fun at the back of the class. His large size and early facial hair earned him the nickname "Moose" by the fourth grade. Growing up as the only boy among a slew of Greek female cousins, he was the frequent (and usually deserving) target of the phrase, "Jimmy did it!". He was also used to hearing his mother yell, "I will coat you in oil!".

Jim's greatest devotion was to his wife of 41 years, Linda. Making her happy was his proudest achievement. If she so much as mentioned a dress she liked, Jim would secretly purchase it just to surprise her. Together, they explored the world, transitioning from early camping trips to sunny cruises in the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera. Their home, marked by a sign reading "Life is better with flip flops," was a testament to their shared joy. After Linda's passing, Jim found the courage to continue their tradition of adventure, recently traveling to New Mexico for the International Balloon Fiesta and riding the train through the Colorado mountains.

Jim was a man of genuine connections and deep loyalties, which he built in every chapter of his life. He thrived in the beautiful chaos of his big Greek family and their loud, celebratory gatherings. He took great comfort in the community of the Greek Orthodox Church. A veteran of the Air Force Reserves, Jim served as a refueler and forged friendships that lasted a lifetime. He was a favorite among customers at Sam's Club and Home Depot, with people choosing his store's location just to see him. He was loyal—not only to his friends and family but also to his city, remaining a devoted, lifelong fan of the Chicago Bears through every season. This loyalty extended to his neighbors of over 30 years, with whom he built special bonds.  He had "a guy" for everything, from investments to cars, and somehow he turned every business transaction into a personal relationship.

Above all, Jim was a man who lived to make people laugh. Whether he was being the protective older brother to his sister Debbie (whom he affectionately called "Debbie Do"), the mischievous cousin, or playing the role of the "Crazy Uncle" to his nieces, his humor was his calling card. If you were looking for Jim, you only had to follow the sound of a laughing crowd.

Jim has been reunited with his beloved wife, Linda; his sister, Deborah "Debbie Do" Rash; his parents, Peter and Georgia; and his loyal dogs, Gizmo and Mikey. He is survived by his siblings-in-law, Rickey Rash and Tony (Ginger) Cimino; his nieces, Kimberly (Reggie) Maestas, Christie (Mike) Cimino, and Michelle (Steve) Bauman; great-nieces and -nephew Alexa, Mia, Savanna, and Bryce; and a community of friends and family who will forever miss his jokes and his heart.

All will meet Tuesday, February 3 at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 525 Church Rd., Elgin, IL. Visitation from 9:00 a.m. until beginning of an 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, IL. In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that you instead make a donation in Jim's memory to his parish, Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, at https://pushpay.com/g/st-sophia. Arrangements entrusted to Chris J. Balodimas, Funeral Director. For funeral info, call 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.