August 2026

Rev. Dr. James “Jim” F. Bach, 84, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away on June 11, 2026 with his loving wife, Tina Savaiano-Bach, at his side.

Pastor Bach graduated from Concordia Seminary in 1968. During his early ministries, he continued his education, receiving his Master’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University in 1974 and a PHD in Psychology from Northwestern University in 1978.

Counseling was an integral part of Jim’s ministry. He focused on crisis management and conflict resolution and was often called upon to provide his services to the LCMS Northern Illinois District.

Jim loved working with children. While serving as Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Roselle, IL, he worked closely with the teachers and had his own lunch table where he could interact with children who might be experiencing emotional difficulties of any kind in a group setting. He established a Counseling Ministry at Trinity for children of the congregation and community. Volunteers were enlisted, trained, and empowered to facilitate small group sessions based on the children’s ages. The program was called “Rainbows for all God’s Children.” The groups met weekly and continued for nine years.

Jim loved family gatherings and welcomed every opportunity to make them special. Nieces, nephews and grandchildren won’t forget the egg hunts in the neighborhood park, the trips to Pumpkin Patch to pick out their own pumpkins to decorate and take home, or the Fright Night Sleepovers when whoever picked the short straw got to choose the movie for the evening. He enjoyed camping and walking and biking the Forest Preserve Trails in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan.

Jim was a great listener and would bring smiles to the “Kids’ Table” with his impromptu quizzes, as well as keeping a good conversation energizing the adults around the “Big Table.” His unique sense of humor was uplifting and all-encompassing.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 405 S. Rush St., Roselle, Illinois. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m.