James Joseph Dombek
October 24, 1955 – August 12, 2024

James "Jim" Joseph Dombek, 68, of Sycamore, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2024. He was born on October 24, 1955, in Yonkers, New York.  Jim lived a life dedicated to family, friends and church. He was a volunteer for many community groups throughout DeKalb County, including Opportunity House, The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Committee, Three Fires Boy Scout Council, Kishwaukee Habitat for Humanity, the Saint Vincent DePaul Society, and several others. Jim has been a member of the Sycamore Community Unit School District #427 Board of Education since 1997 and President since 1999.

Jim completed his undergrad work at NIU, earned his Doctor of Law degree at the IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law in Chicago and received his MA in Theology at Loras College in Dubuque.

He began his legal career at American Family Insurance, where he worked as an attorney from February 1986 to March 1987. Following this, he served at UAW-Chrysler Legal Services for over 14 years, helping countless clients navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Jim joined NB&T in 2001, as Vice President-Personal Trust Manager, a role he held for 21 years. In 2016 he began his current position as Director, Trust/Investments & Counsel at Resource Bank. Under his leadership, Jim became a trusted advisor to many. He was known for his meticulous management of trust portfolios, guardianships, and estate planning, as well as his expertise in investment advice and tax planning.

Jim's commitment to his work was only surpassed by his love for his family, friends and his Catholic religion. In 1991 he was ordained as a Permanent Deacon for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockford.  He will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering integrity. His legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched and the institutions he helped shape.

Jim was a true music aficionado, with a particular passion for rock and southern rock. His love for The Band, Van Morrison, Little Feat, Grateful Dead and The Beatles was evident in the extensive vinyl collection that he cherished. Recently, he had treated himself to a new stereo system, which he delighted in setting up to bring out the best in his beloved albums. For Jim, music was much more than a simple hobby—it was a steadfast companion that brought vibrancy and meaning to his life.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kathryn (Kathy) Dombek, daughters, Elizabeth (Greg) Schuh, Oklahoma, Kristen Dombek-Heyn (Jared Heyn), Wisconsin, and son, Joseph (Desiree) Dombek, DeKalb, sisters, Diane Dombek and Carol (Thor) Dolan, both of Sycamore, and beloved grandchildren, Beck, Rowan, Oakes, and Hollis Schuh. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

His visitation will be held on Friday, August 16th from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Butala Funeral Home in Sycamore, IL. and from 10:00-11:00 AM on Saturday, August 17th at the Newman Catholic Student Center, 512 Normal Road in DeKalb, IL.

His funeral mass will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday at the Church.  Burial will follow at the Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Sycamore.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made out to the Dombek Family Community Service Scholarship Fund-  Through the DeKalb County Community Foundation.  Please feel free to send them to the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL. 60178.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com