Batavia trustee remembered as 'a wonderful person'

Family, friends and fellow public servants are fondly recalling the life of Batavia Township Trustee James P. Dallesasse, 69.

Dallesasse died Nov. 6 at home, of cancer. His funeral was Tuesday morning.

"He was just a wonderful person," said Township Supervisor James Anderson, who met Dallesasse when Anderson served with Jim's wife, Donna, on the new Batavia park board in 1969.

Dallesasse was elected in 2001 and 2005. "He was just a great trustee," Anderson said. "He was very much for giving township funds for social service agencies," and was pleased the township recently began restoring cuts made a few years ago.

The township board must appoint someone to serve the rest of Dallesasse's term, which expires in April, within 60 days.

He worked for 36 years for Moline Malleable Corp., then became a maintenance technician for the city of Batavia. He was a member of the St. Charles Canoe Club, and the Knights of Columbus.

Dallesasse is survived by his wife, Donna, the former director of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce; two children; five grandchildren; and two siblings.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Holy Cross Catholic Church Building Fund, 2300 W. Main St., Batavia, IL 60510 or the American Cancer Society, 143 First St., Batavia, IL 60510.