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.
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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
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