James Michael DeBarbara, commonly known to many as "Blade" and later "JD",  passed away unexpectedly on 9/9/25, after a life that was if nothing else a spectacular whirlwind.

James was know by different names to different people. Some people knew him as Jim or Jimmy, some knew him as Carl Richards, some knew him as JD (John Doe).  A select few knew him as King Awesome.

James was born on August 16, 1961. His story began quietly but quickly veered off the well taken path embracing a vibrant and unconventional route you would dare to follow. Those who knew JD and there are more than you might think from every Walk of Life understood he didn't operate with guardrails or boundaries

Well not all of his choices would be considered admirable, he lived life fully and without apology. A fact even his biggest detractors couldn't deny. He made his own rules sometimes to the delight of people sometimes to their dismay. In many ways JD was a riddle, wrapped in an enigma with the unhealthy splash of recklessness tossed in top.

JD could be a charming schemer, the soul of the party, the great mesmerizing storyteller, a rockstar, it just it depend on how he felt at the moment. He could be extremely generous to a stranger and infuriatingly stubborn to those he was close to. But through it all there was a raw unpolished authenticity that made him unforgettable.

His smile and incredible laugh would fill the room. If you listen close you can still hear the guitar.

You left way too soon. Until we meet again, it was a good ride.

Arrangements entrusted to Sadowski Funeral Home of Hegewisch: 13300 S Houston Ave., Chicago, IL 60633. A Memorial Visitation will be held for James on Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.