James Vincent Sylvester Jr. 1952-2023

He was born in Columbus, Georgia, on Nov. 21, 1952, the son of James Vincent and Patricia R. Fitzpatrick Sylvester Sr.

Jim attended St. Stephen Elementary School, graduated in 1971 from John F. Kennedy High School and was blessed with a “full ride” football scholarship to Purdue University in Indiana.

He worked as a behavior modification specialist at Maryville Academy in Chicago and Northside Hospital / University of South Florida, before returning home to Niles. He was a member of St. Stephen Church in Niles and enjoyed cooking, fishing and building model airplanes. He loved watching sports and was an avid fan of the University of Michigan and the University of Florida football teams.

Jim is survived by his wife, RaeAnn DiBattiste Sylvester, whom he married April 10, 1999; two sons, James Vincent “Forist” Sylvester III of New York, New York, and Michael Patrick Sylvester (Sarah Rechenmacher) of Jupiter Beach, Florida, and their soon-to-be-born baby girl; sister, Regina (Robert) Steines of Howland; four brothers, Joseph A. (Lori) Sylvester of Columbus, Michael P. (Sherrie) Sylvester of McDonald, John F. “Jay” (Julie) Sylvester of Niles and Patrick G. (Carol) Sylvester of Niles; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and -nephews; and other extended family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, at St. Stephen Church, where family and friends may call one hour prior to the Mass. The Rev. Richard Murphy will be the celebrant.

Memorial contributions may be made to the John F. Kennedy High School Alumni Association.

Arrangements by Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home in Niles. Visit holetonyuhasz.com to view this tribute and share condolences.

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