Search by Name

Search by Name

James Risatti Obituary

James Bruno Risatti, Jr., born to Zoila and James Bruno Risatti, Sr. on May 8, 1942 in Blue Island, Illinois, beloved husband of Leslie (Cahill), extraordinary father of Carrie and Gabriella (Sean Mills), devoted grandfather of Dylan James Mills, loving brother of Howard (Christina), Connie Zenz (James) and William (Celeste). Jim grew up in Pullman, Illinois and graduated from Mendel High School. Jim studied English and Medieval History at Creighton University and the University of Illinois at Navy Pier, where he played football, earning a Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois. Jim married Leslie Ann Cahill in 1967 and they made their first home in Starkville, Mississippi where Jim earned a Masters of Science in Paleontology from Mississippi State University. Jim and Leslie made their permanent home in Urbana, Illinois where Jim earned a PhD in Geochemistry from the University of Illinois. Jim joined the Illinois State Geological Survey as a Geochemist in the Organic Geochemistry Section and spent his career there studying the presence of PCB's and PCB degradation in groundwater. He applied his research to various pollution remediation projects including the Hudson River Dredging Project and was invited to present his research at the Gordon Conference. Jim retired from the Geological Survey as the Section Head of the Organic Geochemistry Section in 2006. Jim was also an adjunct professor at Northwestern University and Indiana University. Jim had many interests beyond science. He loved to cook, he had a great interest in sailing, classical music, literature, poetry and the visual arts. Above all, Jim loved life and he loved people. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Research Foundation, The Nature Conservancy or the St. Patrick's Church Building Fund.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Aug. 29, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for James Risatti

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Jim never strays from my thoughts! He was a great friend of mine. Remembering Jim signifies to revive in my hearth the beautiful moments spent with the Risatti family in Urbana, more than thirty years ago today.

Giovanni Vallini

May 31, 2016

I was saddened to recently learn of the passing of Jim, or Bruno as he liked to be called. We were together in the "Catacombs" at Illinois having fun learning paleo. He was a great guy and will be missed!

Andy Gombos

September 17, 2015

Leslie and family, I'm so sorry to hear about Jim. While we have not communicated much over the years I can still see your face and know how your heart hurts at this time. Holding you close.

Marie Salerno

September 9, 2013

(attaching 2nd picture)

John Paravantis

August 30, 2013

I share a couple of pictures taken in Evanston in 2005.

John Paravantis

August 30, 2013

I have the fondest memories of Bruno from my PhD days at Northwestern University back in the 1980s. Ever smiling, kind, polite, well meaning, he is missed already. I wish I were able to make it to the service on Saturday but Greece is too far away. My condolences and love to the family, How lucky I am to have met him!

John Paravantis

August 30, 2013

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in James Risatti's name

Memorial Events
for James Risatti

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Risatti's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more