James V. DeVerniero

James V. DeVerniero, born Vincenzio DeVerniero, 82, passed away peacefully Nov. 18, 2004, at Valley Health Care Center in Billings, Mont. Jim was born October 16, 1922 in New Haven, Conn., the son of Pasquale and Serafina (Corvino) DeVerniero.
He was born into a family of nine children and grew up working in the family restaurant business and barber shop.
He joined the Army and was stationed in Europe during World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Jim was a Forward Observer and was struck by lightning three times; on a pole, a bridge and in a fox hole. He was a boxer in the Army.
Following his discharge Jim worked at Western Electric as a cabinet builder and also worked part time at their family business, 'Mrs. Dee's Ristorante' in New York.
On January 12, 1947, Jim was united in marriage to Margaret 'Mickey' McKenna in Middle Village, N.Y. After visiting Montana, Jim and his family moved to Billings and started a restaurant, Casa Dee's in 1959. In 1960, the restaurant was moved to the Circle Inn in the Heights. In 1962, Jimmy moved his business to Grand Avenue and opened Jimmy's Pizzaria on 5th and Grand Avenue, home of the world famous steak sandwich. Jimmy continued to feed the masses when he moved to the west end and hosted his world famous Christmas Eve parties. Jimmy remained active in the Chef and Cooks Association of Montana. He was an avid chef and a charter member of the Chefs and Cooks Association. The club honored him by starting the Jimmy DeVerniero Scholarship Fund in 2002. In 1986, he continued his involvement in the restaurant business when he began working with his son Paul at DeVerniero's Ristorante.
In between his restaurant duties, Jim found the time to play the role of an Italian immigrant in the movie "Far and Away".
James was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 58 years, Mickey, who died Oct. 4, 2004; brothers Angelo "Hank" DeVerniero, Alfredo "Fat Freddy" DeVerniero, Frederico "Skinny Freddy" DeVerniero; and sister Mary DeVerniero Santoro.
He is survived by his daughter, Linda DeVerniero, granddaughter Jody (Mark) Sulser; great-grandchildren Ben Morgan and Gabe Sulser, all of Billings; granddaughter Amy Hendrickson of Seattle, Wash.; son Jim (Robin) DeVerniero of Billings; grandchildren Chris DeVerniero, Kasie DeVerniero both of Helena, Jason (Angie) Ostermiller; great-grandchildren Tegan and Austin Ostermiller, Justin Ostermiller, Michael DeVerniero, all of Billings; son Paul (Jean) DeVerniero, granddaughter Pam (Shawn) Westberg; great-grandchildren Darion and Tyler Westberg all of Billings; granddaughter Angie DeVerniero of Seattle, Wash. He is also survived by brothers "Amerigo" Joseph DeVerniero, Emanuel "Dee" DeVerniero, Victor Santoro and Nick Pepe; sisters Edith Aponte and Eleanor McLaughlin; and sister-in-law Joan (Harry) Pelzar.
"A la famiglia. A salute per cento d'anni". (To the family, your health for 100 years.)
Vigil will be 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 22, at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Memorial Mass will be at 12 Noon, Tuesday, at St. Patrick's Co-Cathedral.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Jimmy DeVerniero Scholarship Fund, c/o Chefs and Cooks of Montana, PO Box 226, Billings, MT. 59103.