James G. (Jim) M’Lady, who 35 years ago opened a namesake new-car dealership in Crystal Lake, died July 27 at age 74.

                         

He began as an Oldsmobile dealer before adding Nissan and Isuzu franchises. He was the country’s No. 1 Nissan dealer seven straight years.

                         

Mr. M’Lady was raised in Cicero before serving in the Marine Corps in Vietnam. He returned to Camp Pendleton, where he trained before deployment, on the 50th anniversary of his induction. 

The Boys Club of Cicero helped prepare Mr. M’Lady for his life that followed, and he showed his appreciation by donating and returning to the club every year. Contributions appreciated to the Boys Club of Cicero or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Survivors include Barbara Ann, his wife of 46 years; and sons Scott and Marshall.