Jim Cadile obit

Jim D. Cadile

1940 - 2026

 He was not on the list.

Jim Cadile passed away peacefully at his home in Medford, Oregon, on March 11, 2026. He was 85.

A native of San Jose, California, Jim was raised by his parents, Dominic and Eleanor Cadile, with his sisters, Janet, Ginger, and Jheri. He graduated from San Jose High School before attending San Jose State University, where his exceptional talent and character earned him selection by the Chicago Bears in the 1962 NFL Draft.

Jim spent his entire 11-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears as an offensive right guard, proudly wearing No. 72. He started 81 of the 128 games he played and was a member of the Bears’ 1963 NFL Championship team in the final league championship won under legendary coach George Halas before the Super Bowl era. Teammates and coaches respected Jim not only for his toughness and consistency on the field, but also for his quiet leadership, humility, and ability to make everyone around him feel valued.

Following his NFL career, Jim continued playing professionally in the World Football League before returning to the Bay Area with his first wife, Angela, and their three children. He remained dedicated to the game as a coach with the San Jose Tigers and later the Denver Gold of the United States Football League.

While football was an important part of Jim’s life, his greatest accomplishment was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose strength, loyalty, kindness, and steady presence touched generations.

Jim settled in Oregon with his wife, Carol, where they built a beautiful life together. They spent countless days fishing the Rogue River, tending their garden, cooking great meals, and enjoying time with family and friends who meant everything to them. Those who knew Jim during these years will remember a man truly at peace—laughing easily, welcoming everyone, and grateful for the life he and Carol built together.

Jim leaves a legacy of love to his family, Carol Cadile, Matt and Sue Cadile, Caren Cadile, Gina and Steve Katz, Anthony Katz, Taylor Cadile, Nate Katz, Abby Cadile, Rose Cadile Core, Danny Grant, Bianca Grant, and Harlow Grant; and a wide circle of family and friends whose lives are richer for having known him.

To honor Jim, donations may be made to your favorite charity or to the Concussion and CTE Foundation (https://concussionandcte.org/), helping to keep athletes of all ages safe through education and innovation.

Personal information

Born    July 16, 1940 (age 86)

San Jose, California, U.S.

Listed height   6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)

Listed weight  240 lb (109 kg)

Career information

High school     San José

College            San Jose State

NFL draft        1962: 4th round, 49th overall pick

AFL draft        1962: 22nd round, 169th overall pick

Career history

Playing

Chicago Bears (1962–1972)

The Hawaiians (1974-1975)

Coaching

Denver Gold (1984)

Offensive line coach

Awards and highlights

NFL champion (1963)

Career NFL statistics

Games played  128

Games started  107

Fumble recoveries       5