Obituary of James Arthur Lykken

James Arthur Lykken of Chandler, AZ, was called home to our Lord and Savior on Feb 3, 2024 due to Cardiac Arrest at the age of 67.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Michelle, children Jennifer (Daryle), Joy and Jamie; grandchildren: Aneesa (Ethan); Jazmyn (Sam), Isaiah, Everett, Roman, Jeff, Rae, James and InaMarie; Brothers: Luke (Heidi) and David (Roselyn); Sisters: Darla and Dawn (Kevin); Sister-in-law Sandy; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends

He was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Ina Lykken (nee Sylliaasen), Brothers: Larry , Mark, and Brother-in-law Mark; Nephews: Chris and Easton.

James was born at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago on October 06, 1956. He grew up in Park Ridge, IL and Arlington Heights, IL.  He lived in many states and countries throughout his life. But spent the majority of his life, where he grew up, in the Chicagoland area until December 2020 where he and Michelle moved out to Chandler, AZ.

He proudly served in the Air National Guard until he was honorably discharged on March 1985. He also served in the Army until he was honorably discharged on March 1989 at the rank of SGT E5.

He worked at the parts department and the service department in various automotive dealerships for over 35 years.

He was a kind and caring soul. He never had a bad word to say about anybody. He loved his family deeply, never missed a chance to get together. He loved Rock and Country music. He loved seeing bands live, even cover bands of his favorite music. He was a true Chicago Cubs fan and was ecstatic when they won the World Series in his lifetime. He was a Wizard of Oz fanatic, collecting bits and pieces of anything that was Wizard of Oz related.  James was a great storyteller. He would make up incredible long stories on the spot and made you a believer. He was happiest when he was holding a grandbaby or two and they all loved to sit on grandpa’s lap, usually all at the same time.

We will be honoring James’ wishes by not hosting a viewing.  He will be cremated in Arizona. At a later date, he will be interred with full military honors in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood (Joliet), Illinois with his brothers Larry and Mark.

In lue of flowers, please make any donations to Wounded Warrior Project.

Check the box 'Make this a gift in honor or memory of an individual', then 'In Honor of' type 'James A. Lykken'.

Acknowledgement 'Michelle Lykken, 2222 W Frye Rd Unit 3046, Chandler, AZ 85224'

 

James Arthur Lykken's burial will be on Monday May 6 @ 10:30 in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

For anyone attending the burial, we will need to meet up prior to entering the cemetery.

His memorial will be after the ceremony at the cemetery in West Chicago catered by Portillos. One of his favorites. 

Please contact Michelle Lykken mlykken9999@gmail.com or text 847-345-0075 for details.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Lykken, please visit Tribute Store