As Jennifer Altounian reflected on the life of her father, James, she ticked off a life filled with a series of accomplishments, enthusiasm and endeavors.
She then simply noted, “He was a character.”
James Altounian, a local businessman who served on Lake Forest’s City Council and plan commission in addition to participating in many other local civic efforts, died Sept. 27 of natural causes at his Lake Forest home. He was 87.
Altounian was born in Chicago, learning about how to run a small business from his father who owned a hot dog stand on Chicago’s Belmont Avenue. The younger Altounian graduated from Lane Tech High School and later from Augustana College, where he was a member of the football team.
While initially interested in becoming a teacher, Altounian eventually went to work as a carpenter for Peterson Brothers Builders in Northbrook. He became a partner in the company in 1970 and after the Peterson brothers retired, he bought it and re-branded it as Altounian Builders.
In 1963, Altounian moved to Lake Forest quickly forming friendships with many other local small businessmen including Jim Swarthout, who would later become mayor.
“That was his group of crony friends,” Jennifer Altounian remembered.
As their friendship flourished, Swarthout encouraged Altounian to become part of the city government. Initially, he was appointed to the city’s plan commission and then in 1979 he was elected to the City Council representing the city’s third ward where he served six years.
He found many ways to contribute to Lake Forest through his professional background. In 1982, Altounian constructed the dais in the Lake Forest City Hall chambers that is still used today. After he left the City Council, he was named chairman of the Forest Park Beach Shoreline Restoration Project.
“Jim’s fingerprints are found throughout the community, he had vision and took risks always with the best long-term interest of the community in mind and he achieved great success, his impact will endure for decades,” Lake Forest Mayor Stanford “Randy” Tack read from a resolution of sympathy offered to the family at the Oct. 21 City Council meeting.
Altounian also served as a board member of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, Lake Forest Country Day School, and was a volunteer firefighter in the city.
“It was important to him to give back to the community,” Jennifer Altounian said. “That was how he was raised to always give back.”
Besides business and city service, another part of Altounian’s was his lifelong love for the Chicago Bears as Hall of Fame running backs Walter Payton and Gale Sayers were two of his favorite players. He was a season ticket holder going back to the 1960s when the team was still playing at Wrigley Field, according to his family. He attended both of their Super Bowl appearances in 1986 and 2007.
The Bears honored him at a 2016 game at Soldier Field for being one of the team’s longest-standing fans.
“He witnessed both our largest victories and our toughest losses, his dedication and commitment to the team, was a testament to his love for the Chicago Bears, and the city of Lake Forest, and the sport of American football,” read a resolution of respect from the team that was read by a city staff member at the City Council meeting.
His love of sports was not limited to football as he also attended many Chicago Cubs, Bulls and Blackhawks games.
On a personal side, his children remember a father who never raised his voice, but let his feelings known when he was upset.
“You knew you were in trouble when he gave you a look but that was it,” his son, Todd said.
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Jennifer added, “You never wanted to disappoint him.”
After retiring from the daily affairs of his business where all four of his children have worked, Altounian restored old wooden boats often traveling to boat shows showcasing his efforts.
“Woodworking was his true passion,” Todd said.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Audrey, two daughters Jennifer and Nicole along with two sons, Todd and Jamie, their spouses, and 11 grandchildren.
Services have been held.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.