Jim Guth

Jim Guth, 33, one of Chicago's leading caterers, died Saturday athis Northwest Side home of illnesses resulting from AIDS.

He opened Chicago Caterers, Ltd., in a house on Wolfram Streetat age 23. The restaurant now occupies 14,000 square feet at 1419 W.Diversey.

"He brought a unique style to his catering. Working with him wasa pleasure. It was like working with your family," said BeverlyBlettner, who worked with Mr. Guth on fund-raisers for Brookfield Zooand the Chicago Historical Society.

Mr. Guth owned the Society Cafe in the Chicago HistoricalSociety building.

"He was a longtime Chicago history buff. As a youth he spentmany hours researching Chicago history,' said a friend, JoyceHeitler.

He also opened the Sawyer Country Inn in Sawyer, Mich., with hispartner and friend, Dale Lasco.

There were no immediate survivors.

There will be a memorial service from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday atthe Chicago Historical Society, 1601 N. Clark.