James Tri

James Leo Tri, 73, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026, in Niles, IL.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 12, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 13, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery at a later date.

Jim was born on September 5, 1952, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Leo and Mary (Tomalin) Tri. He attended Marquette High School and went on to receive an associate's degree in data processing from Waubonsee Community College. He later married Linda Warrick on June 10, 1978, at St. Columba Church in Ottawa.

He worked for Caterpillar for over 40 years as a data processor, a CNC operator, and ultimately a welder. He was a proud member of the UAW Local 145. In his free time, he loved to golf all summer and bowl all winter. He had a deep love for music, especially Bruce Springsteen, the Grateful Dead, the Marshall Tucker Band, Tom Petty, the Rolling Stones, and the Allman Brothers, and attended many concerts, often with his kids. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the White Sox, Bears, and Bulls. He enjoyed spending time with his family and cooking on his charcoal grill.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda Tri; his children, Janice (Paul) Lampron, Kristen (Adam) Gaspar, and Michael (Serene Yang) Tri; his grandchildren, Ellis, Oliver, and Hannah Gaspar; his sister, Joan Wiesbrock; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Mary; and his brother, Gary Tri.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to the family.