Ex-Batavia city attorney Noble dies

ST. CHARLES –  John Noble, 70, the former city attorney for Batavia for more than 10 years and past president of the Kane County Bar Association died Saturday at his home in St. Charles.

Noble served as Batavia's city attorney from 1999 until February, when his health required that he retire, his widow, Kristen Noble, said.

He had been battling emphysema for a while, but it had been worse for the last 18 months, she said.

"He loved the city of Batavia – that was his love," his wife said. "He loved city law and he loved everyone he worked with there."

Noble had also served as attorney for Campton Township, the Elburn Fire Protection District, as a board member of CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate which represents the needs of neglected and abused children in court, and as a pro bono attorney. Noble also served on the board for the Fox Valley Council of Girl Scouts.

"He really loved being a lawyer. He liked the intellectual challenge of the law," said his daughter Kimberly Lynch of Elgin. "But he was very kind and loved to tell stories. He loved cooking – his favorite was spaghetti sauce – and photography and scuba diving."

Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke said Noble was very detailed, thorough and careful as an attorney, something city officials appreciated.

"His law work was very reliable, to the point and understandable," Schielke said. "He would not put you in a bad place or leave you exposed. He took care of you."

Noble was instrumental in creating the tax increment finance districts in the downtown, the annexation agreements for Randall Road development to ensure the growth of Batavia. He was also involved in the early stages of the annexation of the Mooseheart property, Schielke said.

"We have a lot to thank him for," Schielke said.

A Celebration of Life will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 20, at Wildwood Restaurant, 477 S. Third St., Geneva.