James Leo Passafiume Jr.

James L. Passafiume, Jr. Age 87, of Braidwood, IL passed away Saturday, August 12, 2023. Born on August 15, 1935 to the late Mary K. (nee Viverito) and James Leo Passafiume, Sr. in Chicago, IL. He grew up on the Northwest side of Chicago and later gained employment at Caterpillar Tractor Co. in Joliet, IL where he worked as a boiler room operator for almost 40 years before retiring. He married the true love of his life, Mary Kathryn Pearson, on May 12, 1967 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Braidwood, and together they made their home there raising six children. Jim enjoyed working on cars and other broken items he could fix and sell. He kept informed of the most updated news through all the newspapers he read daily and loved to share this news with his family. In his retirement, he even worked for The Free Press, delivering newspapers to the local and surrounding area shops. He was a very devoted son, husband, father, and loving grandfather and great grandfather. He was a wonderful caretaker for his mother, brother, and later his wife. James had his own ailments, but anyone who knew him, knows he truly passed from a broken heart. Jim’s heart belonged to Mary, who passed away on April 4, 2023. Together they always found time to have date nights which included being on a bowling league together, going out to eat, seeing every movie that came out, getting treats, which for him were chocolate milkshakes and banana splits. He could have eaten Mary’s spaghetti and meatballs every day if she would have let him. Later in life, they enjoyed playing the slots, hoping of course, to win big. He was always game to take his grandchildren, along with Mary, to the movies and to many other fun places; He was a much-loved grandpa. James was a wonderful, dedicated father and spiritual leader for his family. He took his family on awesome vacations, never missing a stop to visit any shrine that was nearby their travel destinations. He loved Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary and had a sweet dedication to St. Therese the Little Flower. He touched many lives and will be extremely missed and loved forever. Surviving are his three daughters Jill (Michael) Panko of Cary, IL, and their children Michael Jr, Matthew (Maxine), Sarah (Matt) Neumann, Rachel and Francis, Mary (Craig) Farrell of WA and their children Anthony (Natasha) and Charles, Sylvia Johnson of Braidwood, IL and son Blake; three sons, John of Channahon,IL and children Jessica (Patrick) and Hope, James (Amanda) of Channahon, IL and children Brayden (Marie) and Joshua, and Paul (Nicole Medina) of Plainfield, IL. Also surviving are six great grandchildren with one more expected. Preceding him in death was his beloved wife Mary Kathryn Passafiume (4-4-2023); brother, Jasper Thompson; and daughter-in-law, Lois Passafiume; The visitation will be at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, August 18, 2023 from 3-7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Braidwood. Interment will follow at Braceville-Gardner Cemetery in Braceville. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to The Giving Door, Inc, NFP P.O. Box 532, Cary, IL 60013, www.thegivingdoor.org.

James Leo Passafiume Jr.

August 15, 1935 - August 12, 2023

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James Leo Passafiume Jr.

August 15, 1935 - August 12, 2023

What We Do

Local Florists

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About Us

Plan Ahead

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Grief & Healing

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