James W. (Jim) Solka, 83, of Des Plaines, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Jim was the loving and devoted husband of Judy (née Jablonski); beloved son of the late Theodore and Hendy (née Thomason) Solka; loving brother of Barbara (the late Robert) Pustay; fond brother-in-law to Diane (the late Ronald) Jablonski, and cherished uncle of Karen (Christophe) Maskell, Lucas Maskell, and Sophie Maskell; James (Kate) Pustay, Gracie Pustay, Will Pustay, and Elizabeth Pustay; Gina (Chris) Cox, Johnathan (Brooke) Tyler , and Jacob Coleman; Jeffrey Jablonski; Mark (Georgianna) Jablonski, Christina (Nick) Weidman, Mark (Alexandra) Jablonski and Vince (Elizabeth) Jablonski.

Jim began his career in finance and accounting at Danly Machine (later part of Northrop Grumman) in Cicero, where he met the love of his life, Judy Jablonski. They were married at Our Lady of Charity Church in Cicero and shared 59 wonderful years of marriage. Together they made their home in Forest View for many years before moving to Jim’s family home in Des Plaines.

Jim and Judy loved traveling throughout Europe, especially to Norway, Jim’s ancestral homeland—uff da! He also treasured the many rounds of golf he played with his beloved brother-in-law, Bob Pustay. After a long and successful career with Danly, Jim joined Merkle-Korff Industries in Hoffman Estates, where he worked until his retirement. Jim lived his life with a smile and had a remarkable gift for making everyone he met feel heard, valued, and important. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim’s cremated remains will be interred during a private ceremony at Mount Auburn Cemetery alongside his cherished in-laws, Edward and Eleanor Jablonski. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Buddy Foundation or the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home, 4920 Main St. Downers Grove, IL 60515, for additional information please call 630-852-8000.