James Taylor Bannen, 61, of Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood, passed away Nov. 11 after an unexpected cardiac event.

James was born in Rockford and grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana, the son of Howard James Bannen, Jr. and Barbara Taylor Bannen (nee Olwin). He was the great-great grandson of George B. Swift, the former mayor of Chicago. James dearly loved the city and lived there for most of his life.

Jim graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a Bachelor's in Finance, and later from DePaul University with an MBA and a Master's degree in Public Policy. He went on to have a long career in the insurance industry.

A kind, loving, and generous person and a prolific reader, Jim was also a fan of 80's alternative music and drawing cartoons. He volunteered at Howard Brown Health Center and tutored children. Jim was the faithful companion of Patron the Pomeranian and the late Shante the Pekinese.

James is survived by his beloved husband of eight years (together for 25 years) Mario Iran Martinez. He is also survived by sisters Gail (Daniel) Clutter and Betsy (Mark) Kesner; brother Philip Bannen; niece Grace Clutter; nephews William Clutter and Matt Kesner aunts Mary Bannen DuBois and Vera Schmitt Bannen; and numerous cousins and friends.

A celebration of his life is being planned.

Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-370-2959 or Article Link Here .