Mr. James “Jim” Franzese, age 64 years, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto on Thursday, December 30, 2015, with his family by his side.
Jim was born on September 20, 1951 in Schiava, Napoli, Italy to Erasmo and Rosa Franzese. Along with his parents, Jim immigrated to Canada in 1954, and spent his childhood growing up in Westfort, in a house full of siblings and cousins. His childhood was full of time spent with family - tobogganing at Chippewa, swimming at Heath Park pool, and ski doo-ing down Crawford Ave.
From early on, Jim’s presence was undeniable; at 18 he was well known by many as “Big- Jim” with his GTO Judge.
Jim, with help from his father and uncle, developed a life long love for hunting and fishing. Starting from a young age, Jim worked for his father Erasmo’s trucking company and eventually owned his own company, “James Franzese Trucking” for many years.
Jim married his wife Judy on November 13, 1998.
Jim was involved in SIJHL/Junior A Hockey, and Junior B Hockey for many years. In 2013, he was honoured with the TB (Bones) McCormack Meritorious Award, from Hockey Northwestern Ontario, for his contributions to the sport.
Jim was an active member of the Da Vinci Centre.
Jim spent many memorable years camping and fishing with the Mud Bay Gang at Pine Point Resort on Lac de Milles Lac.
Jim was an animal lover; often seen in his truck taking his dog, Oakley, to camp or for a sandwich at Nona’s. And more recently, spending his nights cuddling with his dog, Ryder.
Jim was always happy; smiling, joking, and finding the humour in every moment. Jim could command a room both with the animated telling of a tall tale, or his silent smile at the head of a table at Ma’s house. Jim always had a kind word, nickname or piece of advice to give those around him.
Above all, Jim loved family. Jim was an extremely loving and proud father to his children Robin and Jay. He was a loving husband, incredible son, favourite uncle, dedicated brother, and amazing Nonno/Grandpa Jim to his grandchildren.
Jim had a profound impact on so many people throughout his life. Jim will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
Jim is survived by his wife of 17 years, Judy; his children, Robin Franzese-Shouldice (Mitch), Jay, and their mother Lanell Burgsteden; mother, Rosa; sister Mary Garlick (Wayne); brother Jerry (Jonna); stepchildren Cherie Gunsinger (Doug) and Lisa Cordonne (Todd); nieces and nephew Sara Garlick (Steve), Jenna (Michael), Jerry Jr., and Kayla; grandchildren Benjamin Reid, Carson, Kyle, Chase, Devon and Paige; Great-Grandchild Colby; Aunt Maria; cousins Linda Sinnemaki (Dennis, Jeffrey, Lauren, Erik), Anna Tocheri (Paul, Julia, Georgia). Also survived by numerous relatives in Montreal and Italy and countless friends.
He was predeceased by his father Erasmo, uncles Salvatore and Felice and aunts Vincenzia and Lucia.
Funeral Services for late Mr. Jim Franzese will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 leaving the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street, at 3:40pm to St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, for the funeral Mass at 4:00pm, celebrated by Father Thomas Mullamangalam. Cremation will follow, with a private family interment in Sunset Memorial Gardens, at a later date. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday evening after 6:00pm in the Westfort Chapel with Vigil prayers offered at 7:30pm.
Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Jim to the Liver Foundation, Diabetes Association or Thunder Bay Junior B Hockey League would be greatly appreciated.
