James “Raymond” Rodriguez, age 74, of McKinley Park, Chicago, passed away peacefully and returned home to the Lord on January 8, 2026.
He was the cherished partner of the late Manuela “Nellie” Sims, beloved son of the late Angelo and Mary Rodriguez, and loving brother of the late Joseph (Gemma) Rodriguez, the late Dolores Rodriguez, Edward Rodriguez, and the late Barbara (the late William) Starr. He was a treasured uncle to Chad, Mike, Christina, Diane, Katherine, Michelle, Eric, Kim, and Aaron, and a caring great-uncle to many more nieces and nephews.
A lifelong animal lover, Ray adored his dogs Lady, Snowball, Snowflake, Tiger, and Shan, as well as his cats Clark and Broadway. Born and raised in Chicago, Ray returned to McKinley Park 20 years ago, where he enjoyed a quiet life filled with books, astronomy, bird watching, classical music, gardening, and classic western films. He had a lifelong passion for printing, working as a pressman for his entire career and cherishing the art of the machine printing presses of the past.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 West Archer Ave. (55th Street just west of Harlem). A Service in Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held at 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Famous Fido Rescue Chicago or Harmony House for Cats.
Ray will be fondly remembered for his quiet strength, love of learning, and devotion to family, friends, and his beloved animals.