As a call for justice is renewed, Chicago’s tow truck community supports family of 80-year-old murder victim

CHICAGO (WGN) — It is never easy to say goodbye to a parent. Nearly two weeks since his murder, the family of James Stroud Sr. is renewing their call for help to find his killer.

Stroud was 80 years old and spent his entire life in the City of Chicago. He was a tow truck driver, who owned his own business.

“He retired about two months ago, but he was still out here trying to help people,” James Stroud Jr. said.

On Jan. 29, Stroud was in his car, parked near 90th and Bishop around 10 a.m. when someone walked up from behind and shot him in the head and back.

“My grandfather didn’t deserve that,” Jalyssa Smith said. “He is a very, very loving man. He loves all his children, grandchildren, family, friends.”

For now, the tow truck community is rallying support, with Vehicle Management Solutions (VMS) saying they will cover Stroud Sr.’s funeral expenses.

“When we heard this story, we could not, not get involved,” said Early Walker, senior vice president of VMS. “We could not, not help and support this family.”

As the family mourns, they continue to ask for information that could help police find Stroud Sr.’s killer.

“My dad loved Chicago. I tried to convince him to come to Florida to retire but he said, ‘You can’t take the Chicago out of me. I love Chicago, this is my home,’” Sheila Stroud said. “So please, for my dad, if anybody knows anything, please come forward. My dad deserves justice. We deserve justice.”

Services will take place on Thursday at 2 p.m. at Sacred Memories Funeral Home at 2024 East 75th Street. Tow companies from the Chicagoland area are invited to send a truck as a show of support for the family.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.