The Village of Palos Park Mourns the Loss of Long-Time Public Servant Jim Pavlatos
Jim Pavlatos has been a Village of Palos Park Commissioner since 2007. Jim first served as Commissioner of Building and Public Property and then as Commissioner of Accounts and Finances. Prior to serving on the Village Council Jim served as a member of the Village’s Plan Commission.
Mayor Mahoney said “when I first ran for Mayor, it was important to me that my teammates had a love for Palos Park; someone who was committed to preserving what makes Palos Park unique but also recognizing the potential of encouraging growth where needed. I was fortunate to find Jim, he absolutely loved the Palos Park Community for all it was and could be.”
Jim Pavlatos was a talented and creative individual; not only was he a dental surgeon, but he was also a gifted photographer, artist, and art teacher. He owned his private dental practice on Harlem Avenue in Palos Heights until very recently; Jim’s experience was in the field of surgical and prosthetic implant dentistry, he also lectured locally, nationally, and internationally.
Jim’s artwork has been featured in several McCord Gallery and Cultural Center exhibits as well as Moraine Valley Community College Juried Community Art Shows. Jim’s photography is synonymous with the beauty of the Palos Area. A permanent exhibit depicting the historical buildings and some of the most scenic locations in the Palos area resides in the Kaptur Center and more pieces in the Palos Park Library. Jim was the one of the main creators of the photographic artwork “Spirit of Palos Park: Through the lens, A Village Views Itself”. Jim’s Mill Creek photo has been used for many Village publications throughout the years and was featured on the Village’s vehicle tag in 2020.
Mayor Mahoney added ”alongside his wife, Diann, they raised a son and daughter in Palos Park and have been blessed with six grandchildren. Jim was devoted to his family, his profession, the arts, and the community. Jim was able to weave his creative nature into all aspects of his life. A rare and magic combination that made him such an asset to our Village government.
Jim Pavlatos has served as my elected colleague on the Council in Palos Park, but more than anything else, he is an inspiration, mentor, a guide and became a very close friend. Commissioner James Pavlatos served tirelessly and effortlessly his entire life and I am truly grateful for all he has done for the Palos Park Community. I am devastated by his passing and will miss him dearly.”
