Former ISBA Board member Kim E. Presbrey died Saturday as a result of injuries suffered in a plane crash on April 2, 2012. He was born in Aurora July 1, 1951 to Betty and George Presbrey. 

He graduated from West Aurora High School in 1969, Northwestern Illinois University in 1973 and Vanderbilt Law School in 1976. He was admitted to the state and federal bar in 1976. He began the practice of law with his father at Presbrey and Presbrey. After his father’s retirement he became the principal owner of Presbrey and Associates, P.C.

He was past president of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and a member of Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association, Illinois State Bar Association, American Trial Lawyers, Workplace Injury Litigation Group and Kane County Bar Association founder of the Workers’ Compensation Section. 

Kim authored many articles and taught at many conferences on the subject of Workers’ Compensation. He was an advocate for injured workers and continuously lobbied the Illinois State Legislature on their behalf. His peers voted him a Super Lawyer, Leading Lawyer and Top “100” Trial Lawyer. Since 2008 he has co-authored the Lexis-Nexis Illinois Workers’ Compensation Book.

He loved to fly. Kim was an avid hunter and fisherman and travelled to many states and countries in pursuit of those activities. He was a devoted reader and movie goer. His favorite pastime was walking many a field and training Hershey. He and Colleen spent many hours at the dog park with their canine companions. 

Many children in the Aurora area played on football and baseball teams sponsored by Kim. He believed in supporting the local community.  He spent many years working with the Illinois Conservation Foundation and their programs bringing nature to children. He fought tirelessly for the injured workers in Illinois. For 10 years he was president of Illinois Futures, Inc. which provided scholarships for children of disable workers. Kim was Founder and Chairman of the Board of Doctors Direct, Inc., a medical malpractice insurance company. He was also a member of the North America Versatile Hunting Dog Association and a member of the Illinois chapter of NAVHDA. He was also a member of the AOPA and EEA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) www.peta.org.

He is survived by his wife, Colleen Drury Presbrey and 2 sons, Kenton (fiancee Kelly Johnson) and Kevin, as well as his brother Tom Presbrey, his wife Laurie, and their children Joseph, Scott and Kara. He is also survived by his best friend and companion Hershey, a Pudelpointer. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Arrangements by Kopicki's Heritage Funeral Home of Berwyn 708-755-7775 www.kopicki.net americanheritagecremation.org

Read the full obituary in the Aurora Beacon News