James Daniel Pauly - Honorary Rotarian

One of the great joys of being a Rotarian is meeting and serving with some of the best people a community has to offer.  During my 25+ years as an Oak Forest Rotarian I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people.  Today I share with you my heartfelt admiration for my very good friend and our newest Honorary Rotarian, big Jim Pauly.

I have found it incredibly difficult writing this tribute to Jim.  His life has been filled with so many accomplishments and sacrifices for others.  Jim epitomizes "service above self" in all that he does.  So many seek out Jim's counsel when they are troubled or confused and his accounting prowess has served countless small businesspeople well over the years.  And I would be remiss if I did not point out, a more passionate advocate for conservatism does not exist.

Jim is passionate about all he does in life.  If you haven't gotten into a heated discussion with Jim about one topic or another you don't know Jim very well.  And if you happen to lean to the left, and you haven't had that heated discussion with Jim....well then you don't know him at all!

James Daniel Pauly was Born August 27, 1932 to James and Helen Pauly.  Jim had two brothers, Louis who we all know so well and his brother John who passed on.  Jim's original home was at 5842 Sangaman in the great city of Chicago.  Later Jim came south to a home on Massasoit in Oak Forest and finally to his current hacienda at 16731 Ann Marie Lane in Tinley Park.

Jim attended grammar school at Our Lady of Solace and high school as St. Ignatius in the city.  That would have been it for the average Joe in those days and it would have been an impressive scholastic undertaking.  But Jim continued on to study and Loyola University graduating in 1955.  Smitten, Jim married Ruth E. Quinn on August 13, 1955.  He sired James, Suellen, Dennis, Linda and Barbara.  Jim and Ruth share 10 beautiful grandchildren.

Jim served in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1955 retiring as Lieutenant Col Pauly. His contributions to Oak Forest read like that of a founding father.  Jim served on Civil Defense, as City Clerk and an Alderman.  Jim also served on the district 146 School Board.

Jim was elected Clerk of the City of Oak Forest and Dorothy Kennedy served as deputy clerk from 1969 to 1973.  During that period Jim's conservative approach to finances resulted in rather significant savings for the city.  Jim and Dorothy did together in those days, what several staff members do today for the city.  Jim chose not to run again and was succeeded by Jim Jesk Jr. 

His career affiliations demonstrate a broad scope of business acumen.  Jim worked in Publicity and Public Relations for Toni Co.  He worked at Central Steel and Wire. And then his interest in accounting took hold...

Jim started by doing taxes in the first several years on a card table in the back room of Sax's Pharmacy on 59th and Morgan in Chicago.  In 1973, Jim and Dorothy Kennedy teamed up to open Accurate Accounting.  Accurate's original office was a store front in Midlothian and they subsequently moved to Jim's rec room in the early 80s.  Jim was Manager of the Cook County Mosquito Abatement District at the time and did not work full time at Accurate until 1981.  Accurate Accounting continued to grow from a tax filing service to a full accounting practice through the 80s, specializing in Small Business Accounting and hiring their first employee soon thereafter.

Jim and his partner Dorothy bought there current business condo in 1987. At one time Accurate had clients in more than 20 states including overseas.  Having accumulated more wealth than any one man should have, Jim acquiesced to selling the accounting and tax practices in 2006 and 2009 with the thought he would retire.  This may be the only thing James Pauly ever failed at....  Retirement wasn't in the cards for Jim....Jim and Dorothy are as busy as ever and continue into their 41st year of Accurate Accounting, LTD.

Jim has served several terms as President of the Rotary club and has served in every other board position over the years. Jim's contribution to this club over so many years is unparalleled. From sponsoring new members to selling Rotary raffle tickets to filling in when he was needed, Jim was always there for this club.

Please join me in recognition of our newest Honorary Rotarian.  A man who has sacrificed to work tirelessly for others always living the Rotary ideals. I for one and proud to call him my very good friend.   Jim Pauly is the very best Rotary has to offer and each and every one of us are better for his friendship!