James Chang

James Shin Il Chang — a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, accomplished business

executive and engineer, and faithful servant of God — passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025,

at the age of 80. Fittingly, he left us on the day he would have celebrated 46 years of marriage

with his beloved late wife, Myoung Ja Lee.

Born in May 1945 in Shin Ue Joo, Pyong-an Buk Do province, Korea, James was the first son of

Kun Suh Chang and Eun Sil Choi. In 1948, as a young boy, he and his family made a daring

escape across the 38th Parallel before the outbreak of the Korean War. They left behind their

home and sought refuge in Seoul, where they forged a new life amid the uncertainty of war.

A bright and determined student, James graduated from Dae Kwang High School in 1963 and

earned a Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering from Hanyang University in 1968.

That same year, he was commissioned as a lieutenant through the Korean ROTC program and

proudly served his country before beginning his career as a product engineer at Dong Kuk Steel

Mill Company in 1970.

In 1972, James embarked on a journey to the United States that would redefine his family’s

future. He arrived with just $600 and an unshakable belief in the American dream of building a

better life. As the eldest of four brothers, he took great pride in purchasing a home in Chicago

that became the family’s base for decades. Through tireless effort, perseverance, and faith in his

new country, he sponsored the immigration of his parents and brothers one by one, laying the

foundation for future generations to thrive.

James continued his education in the United States, earning a Master of Science in Metallurgical

& Materials Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1979 and later an MBA

from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. His distinguished career

included senior engineering and executive leadership roles at Atna Bearing, Chamberlain Group,

Zebra Technologies, and Cummins Allison. In 2017, he founded CGI Engineering and New

Product Consulting Corp.

Throughout his career, James’ innovative spirit never wavered. He was awarded 12 U.S. patents,

3 European patents, and held a certification in New Product Development from the Product

Development Management Association. His work advanced the reliability and safety of garage

door openers for LiftMaster, Chamberlain, and Craftsman — brands trusted by millions of

homeowners and professionals across America.

On June 30, 1979, James married the love of his life, Myoung Ja Lee. Together, they built a

home filled with faith, love, and joy, raising two sons, Daniel Young Chang and David Shin

Chang, of whom they were immensely proud.

A devoted member of Hanmee Presbyterian Church, James served faithfully as a deacon and

shared his deep bass voice as a member of the Chicago Voice of Shepherds and the Chicago

Korean Choir.

James is survived by his sons; daughters-in-law, Tammy and Suzy; and grandchildren, Mason,

Ethan, and Samantha. He is also survived by his brothers, Paul Yoon Il Chang and Jeff Yoon

Chul Chang; sisters-in-law, Christina Chang and Jean Chang; nieces, Grace, Esther, and

Stephanie; nephews, Edward, Andrew, and Seongwoon; and many extended family members

who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kun Suh Chang and Eun Sil Choi; his stepmother, Ok

Pyo Chang; his wife, Myoung Ja Lee; his brother, Yoon Duck (Jae) Chang; and his nephew,

Stephen Jinyoung Chang.

James will be remembered for his brilliant mind, unwavering dedication to family and friends,

steadfast faith, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, and

innovations. Above all, James had the heart of a lion — compassionate, fierce, loyal, and always

ready to help. He said what he meant, meant what he said, and lived every day with purpose.

Visitation at Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Sunday July 6, 2025 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Service at 5:00 PM.

Funeral Service at Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home Monday July 7, 2025  10:30 AM Service.  Interment: Ridgewood Cemetery

Hankook Funerals Tom Suh Director