James Armen Guleserian, (aka Meatball, the clown) (76), originally from Chicago. Illinois went home to the Lord after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, May 25, 2025.

Jim's childhood years were spent living next to the Chicago Neighborhood Boys Club athletic fields.  There he developed a passion for the value of physical and spiritual health, where he actively participated and became a leader and mentor to the young men in the club.  He transitioned into married life, to enhance his children's and grandchildren's lives in the same way.   He diligently, with a loud cheer or a silent prayer, encouraged them in their personal pursuits of their own dreams and aspirations, and, most notably, the impact of living athletically fit had on their lives as the family grew, his support was unending. He never failed to follow their paths.  He taught us all to enjoy life.

Jim was employed as an Information Technology QA Tester/Analyst for 30 years.   The consummate sports fan, he held Chicago Bears tickets for 40 years and spent an awful lot of time at Wrigley Field watching his Cubbies.  He guided his family through life offering advice, coaching, spectating and supporting them every step all the way through college and graduation. In his middle age, Jim kept busy coordinating trips for he and Betty and traveling the world visiting 60 countries and all 50 states.  In 2015, they retired to The Villages, Florida where he embarked on an exciting 10 years. Jim had a deep passion for the Chicago Cubs baseball team and was a proud board member in CubsWorld, a highly popular Village's based club.  He personally knew each member.  His input has always been valued and his monthly "LETS PLAY TOO" segment was an important part of every membership meeting.  His enthusiasm was infectious and his love for humanity very obvious. He served his community in many ways.  A member of The Chicagoland Club, he became a precinct captain and a 50/50 raffle guru.  He is a lifetime member of Clown Alley #179, known as Meatball, the clown, entertaining children and oldsters alike. He was a member of The Village Vets of America, St. Timothy Catholic Church and trained as a local Community Emergency Responder. He had many golf buddies. Through all of this, Jim became profoundly deaf over the years   He never complained nor lost his lust for life.  He had recently undergone ear surgery in 'preparation for a cochlear implant and was looking forward to hearing again.

In October 2024, he had the privilege of taking an Honor Flight to Washington DC, cementing the impact of his patriotism and service to his country.  In February of 2025, he had his first acting role in "Dream Road" February of 2025, and gave a stellar performance.  He received many awards over the years for his charitable contributions in all he did throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Berj and Lillian Guleserian and his sisters, Miriam Walter and Armenette Miller.  He is survived by his wife, Betty, his children, Christina (David) Murphy, Melissa (Louis) Verdecchia and James (Danielle) Guleserian and his brother John (Susan) Guleserian, his grandchildren, Jack and Noah Murphy, Brooks Murphy, Leo, Lauren, Kate and Caroline Verdecchia, and Nolan and Declan Guleserian, his nephews Rich and Eddie Miller and niece Maris Walter. Jim will also be missed by his canine Cubs buddy, Ernie Banks.

Donations may be made in Jim's name to The Wildwood Soup Kitchen, PO Box 1762, 203 Barwick St., Wildwood, FL 34785. Internment will take place on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Rd., Elwood, Illinois. A Celebration of Life will be held for Jim in The Villages on August 24, 2025 @ Laurel Manor from 10-2 PM.