Obituary
Jim Saine passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 30th, 2025. He was born in Evanston, Illinois to the late Jim and Carolyn Saine on January 23, 1936.
Jim grew up in Sauganash, IL and later attended Michigan State University, specializing in hotel and restaurant management. He met the love of his life at MSU and was a devoted partner to Julie throughout their 69 wonderful years of marriage.
They first settled in Park Ridge, IL and Jim joined his father in running and eventually owning one of Chicago’s top dining spots, Jim Saine’s Restaurant on Rush Street. In 1966, he bought a 22-acre country estate and turned it into Tralee Farm Restaurant in Barrington Hills, IL.
In 1972, he moved his family of 5 to a horse-riding neighborhood in Bellevue, WA, long before Microsoft built its headquarters just a few blocks away. He remained a lifelong restaurant industry executive as Head of HR and Operations for several regional and national chains. The couple retired to Palm City, FL in 1996 and became Villagers (Village of Belvedere) starting in 2010.
Jim was an amazing, fun-loving father, always ready for family outings that included boating, skiing, hiking, RV-ing, golf, movies, card games, travel and, of course, dining out. He also piloted a Beechcraft Bonanza and rode horses in his younger days.
He will be remembered by all who knew him for his positive outlook, sense of humor, jokes and hearty laugh.
He is survived by his wife, Julie, son Jeffrey (Ellie) of Charlottesville, VA, daughter Kristen Lewis of Ocklawaha, FL, and son Eric (Francoise) of Montreal, Canada. Grandfather of Kaylee Wirsing (Chris), Cooper, Claire, and Julie Saine, and brother-in-law of Nancy Stocker and Mary Jeisel.
A celebration of Jim’s life will take place at Laurel Manor (1985 Laurel Manor Dr, The Villages) on Thursday, January 15th from 11am to 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Humane Society of Marion County are welcome. Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.
Keith and I are heartbroken to hear of our loss of Jim (I considered him a second Dad). We are glad we got one last time to share laughs and jokes with him on our last visit. He was such a contributor to my life and held such a special place in my heart. So many memories with the Saine Family and I will always take with me his smile and sense of humor. Keith and I send our love and hugs to all of you and really appreciate feeling part of the family. We are so sorry for this loss. Love, Heather and Keith
Please accept our heartfelt condolences for the loss of Jim, and we wish you peace and comfort during this most difficult time. Although he is no longer with us, we have such wonderful memories of Jim to hold on to. With love, Herman and Sandy
Bob and I are so very sorry about the loss of such a wonderful man His family and friends will miss his sweet smile and sense of humor. We are blessed to have called him friend. Love, Paulette and Bob