James Robert Cabai's Obituary
James Robert Cabai, 86, of Fort Myers, Florida passed away peacefully on January 8,
2025 in the loving care of staff at Solaris Senior Living - North Naples and Avow
Hospice. James was born March 29, 1938, to John and Josephine (Skora) Cabai in
Chicago, Illinois.
James graduated from Taft High School in Chicago, where teen life in the 50’s was
the inspiration for the iconic musical “Grease”. He then went on to earn his BS at
DePaul University in Chicago. His accounting degree was put to good use as he
pursued various entrepreneurial endeavors including opening a McDonalds
Restaurant in Fredonia, NY, a coin store in Mt. Vernon, IL, and a real estate
appraisal business in Fort Myers, Florida.
Side by side with his wife, Joan, of 58 years, they raised four accomplished children;
James and wife Ginny, Janet and husband Ben Clark, Jaclyn and husband Mike
Schlipp, and Jill and husband Alex Destefano. Five talented grandchildren soon
completed the Cabai family; Genevieve, Juliana, Gabrielle, Samantha and
redheaded Hunter, who is the spitting image of Grandpa. Married the year of the
first Super Bowl, Jim and Joan also shared a love of football. Weekends were spent
cheering for their favorite teams in the company of their beloved dogs; Brewster,
Bear and Niko.
James is preceded in passing by his parents and brother John (Jr) and leaves his
loving memory with his survivors including his sister, Arlene and husband Larry
Schuetz.
James’ family has entrusted Fort Myers Memorial Gardens with the tender care of
his final arrangements. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated with interment to follow
on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 11:00 am at:
Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord
8121 Cypress Lake Drive
Fort Myers, Florida 33919
In lieu of flowers, James’ family welcomes a donation to any of the following non-
profit organizations in his name:
Solaris Foundation Inc
North Naples 10949 Parnu St Naples, FL 34109
(cash or check only)
Gulf Coast Human Society
2010 Arcadia St Fort Myers, FL 33916
gulfcoasthumanesociety.org
Avow Foundation
1095 Whippoorwill Ln Naples, FL 34105
avowcares.org
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