Long Time Community Leader, Dr. Jim Warren, Dies

Selflessness and community commitment were traits local residents attributed to Deerfield Police Commissioner and former Township High School District 113 Superintendent . Warren died Nov. 3. He was 70. The cause was cancer. 

While superintendent of and as a consultant after his retirement in 1994, Warren devoted his life to helping others achieve their goals and success. “His mantra was always ‘what is in the best interest of the kids,’” Warren’s wife Linda Warren said. 

Whether he was serving the schools or the Village of Deerfield, he was always trying to further the efforts of others. 

“Of the 38 sworn officers on our police force Jim Warren was responsible for the hiring or promotion of 25 of them,” said at Tuesday’s Village Board meeting. 

After his retirement, Warren and some others started a company to design computer applications to help school districts and other organizations evaluate personnel so their compensation can be tied to their efforts. 

“He was others centered. It was never about Jim,” Linda Warren said. “He advocated for women getting ahead in the work place. He wanted everyone to succeed.” 

Not only did Warren start a business and become a consultant in 1994, but after three years of retirement he joined the in 1997. He remained an active participant for the rest of his life. 

“He never left a meeting without saying ‘thank you for the work you do for the community,’” said. “He was always doing his best for the Police Department and the community.” 

Sliozis first got to know Warren when he was part of the department’s investigative unit and Warren was superintendent of District 113. “You wouldn’t find a person more professional and more courteous when I walked in the doors of the high school,” Sliozis said. 

remembers Warren’s efforts for Highland Park and Deerfield High Schools. 

“Jim Warren was a superior leader,” Cohen said at a board meeting Monday. “He guided District 113 toward academic excellence by forming strong personal relationships with all staff members, regardless of their role in the District. He firmly believed that it was crucial to develop a strong trust and that open communication was vital.” 

Warren was born Oct. 2, 1941, in Ashland, WI, before the family moved to Richland, WA. In 1954, while an eighth grader, he met Linda Bowman who later became his wife of 48 years. They married in 1963 after they both graduated from the University of Puget Sound. 

“We became friends at 13 and dated until we were married in 1963 when we graduated college,” Linda Warren said. 

Warren began a teaching career in 1965 near Seattle before becoming a school administrator in Cedar Rapids where he eventually became a high school principal before earning his Doctorate in Education from the University of Indiana in 1974. 

From Indiana, Warren started his first stint at District 113 in 1974 as an assistant superintendent living in Highland Park. He left District 113 in 1978 to assume the helm at District 227 in Olympia Fields where he presided over three high schools. 

In 1983, Warren returned to District 113 as superintendent settling in Deerfield. He remained in that role until his retirement in 1994. 

In addition to his wife Linda, Warren is survived by his children, James W. “Chip” (Cathy Lee) Warren, Katherine (Jerry) Albrecht and Scott (Cindy) Warren. He had six grand children. They are Kay Warren, Sara Warren, Steven Warren, Savannah Albrecht, Michael Warren and Justin Albrecht. 

Warren is also survived by brothers David (Ellen) Warren and Charlie (Jan) Warren. His sister, Dorothy (Michael) Berkson preceded him in death. He is also survived my many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Highland Park In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the District 113 Foundation in Highland Park and the Midwest Palliative & Hospice Care Center in Glenview.