Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Ardito Obituary
He was born in Hamden, CT in 1945 to Flora & Carl Ardito. Jim attended Hamden HS before receiving a bachelor's degree from Franklin & Marshall College Lancaster, PA and a Masters in Advertising at Michigan State. Jim is survived by his beloved family, wife Merry Juell, son Sam Ardito, daughter Zoe Ardito (Peter Srodulski), sister Carol Amato and brother David Ardito, and many adoring friends. Jimmy told stories. All kinds of stories. Scary stories around campfires with his kids. Funny stories for his nationally syndicated column. Silly stories built around cooking recipes. True stories about growing up in his pasta-crazy family. Smart stories that sold products for local, national and international clients (ATT, McDonalds, Harris Bank, Sarah Lee -and over 1200 others) in a dizzying range of mediums (websites, radio and TV ads, blogs, newsletters, employee communications, brand strategies, videos, industrial & training films). If it had anything to do with selling, he could-and did-write it. In 1982 he co-founded the Independent Writers of Chicago and was its Charter President. He created two companies, Right Writers and Ardito Creative Enterprises with the tagline "Heavenly Writing that Sells like Hell." Playboy had him on retainer. He crafted the keynote speech for the event honoring Pulitzer Prize-winning economist George Steiglitz. Thirty-five years ago he gave Grainger Corp their longstanding tagline: "For the ones who get it done." One writer, seven words, on millions of product packaging, and 22,000 vans worldwide. Jimmy loved to fish; if you bet he had some good stories about fishing, you'd be right. And he loved to cook; in a parallel universe, he would have been world-renown celebrity chef James Ardito, serving his special brand of Italian cooking at "Casa Ardito." Just ask the scores of lucky friends who had the pleasure of tasting his unique interpretation of classic Italian Cuisine. Jimmy was also an ardent athlete - a runner, swimmer, and golfer.But at his core Jim was a writer. Ideas formed with words were the very air he breathed, going way back to when he was a child. He loved telling the story about the time his mom "asked me which I loved more: writing or pasta. She tried an experiment. One day she brought out a huge plate of pasta-and my writing crayons. I looked at the food-then the crayons. The food and the crayons, the food and the crayons until I couldn't take it anymore. And I ate the crayons!"
A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Ardito
Earl Slavin
January 2, 2025
Jim Ardito "The Neato Mosquito", that's what I called him. We meet at the Northbrook Chamber. I was redeveloping my business web site and I was looking for someone to write the copy. I always was impressed with his public speaking at the chamber, I went right up to him and asked him if he would write the copy. We became fast friends. We went fishing in a pond in Lake Forest. We even went tent camping in Wisconsin with a group of other chamber members. Jim showed up with a bottle of pop and a bag of potato chips, ready to sleep in his miniscule car. Jim told some amazing stories that night. The Neato Mosquito was always looking at the fun side of life. Here's to you Mosquito.
Dave Jim's bro.
December 28, 2024
Remembering my brother on this milestone day...one year since his passing to his next adventure. He is so a part of me that it feels like I am traveling with him...as if we were searching for that next great fishing spot.,,, always hopeful for the biggest fish of our lives. You can cast first into the best waters my dear brother.
Dave his loving brother
December 18, 2024
I miss him every day. And he still lights up my life. My love to Pearl, Zoe, Sam and to our sister, Carol and to Jim's other close relatives and friends.
Sheila Bower
December 18, 2024
Merry. I am wishing peace and happy memories this holiday season. You have always been a a pleasure to "run into". Happy New Year. Sheila O'Halloran-Bower
Hutch
July 3, 2024
I just learned of Jimbo's passing after a new writing project email to him bounced back.
My sincere condolences to Jim's family. He was a wonderful guy and father. I feel very fortunate to have been able to get to know Jim and work with him over the past 20+ years. Besides his great (awesome, incredible....) talent as a writer, he could make people smile and laugh as he did at our Letip Tuesday morning meetings many times.
You are missed Jim.
lois hobart
March 5, 2024
It's early March and I've just heard from Sambo as I'd sent him an e-b'day card. That's how I learned of Jimbo's passing ... I am without words - ironic yet poignant for one writer to another - long friends, before Sam, now 42, was born. Such a hole in my heart. All my love to Merry Pearl of a Girl, Sambo and Zobo. ALL my love. xox Lois (and my Jim)
Jim Kepler
February 1, 2024
"What´ve you got to lose-other than fifty bucks? You´ll make that back on your first assignment." That was Jim´s pitch to me when he convinced me to join the Independent Writers of Chicago at its organizational meeting more than forty years ago. He was right. I earned and learned so much from Jim´s advice and managed to find my way down the freelance road. He was a savvy professional, helpful leader, and funny-always funny.
Alicia
February 1, 2024
I'm a newer friend of Jim's. He and I met around 2017 when I joined the Independent Writers of Chicago, where he was the founding partner and the inaugural President. We clicked right away. He'd call me out of the blue to brainstorm writing ideas or discuss opportunities. He'd greet me with "Hi, Dolly!" I looked forward to each time I heard his voice. It was always a day brightener. I hired him to help craft messages about my long-term career. He did an amazing job for me. We grew to be business partners of sorts. I hired him, gave his name out, and he would search for leads for me. We discussed an agent relationship - which I fully endorsed! I heard from him just a few weeks ago. As creatives, neither of us were afraid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). We were brainstorming which tools to use and how to best use them. I treasure our friendship. He will be deeply missed.
Peg (and Gene) Kocian
January 30, 2024
Dear Pearl Sam and Zoe,
There are so many unforgettable memories I´ve had of Jimmy. When Jim was present, every occasion included laughing and talking, playing games,and telling stories and eating and imbibing. Jim was the best story teller I ever knew. The stories of his years of growing up were the most hilarious. Jim was not only a good cook but also he appreciated my cooking - and liked to taste test in my kitchen before and after the meal -a sure positive sign from someone who was passionate about cooking. We cherished all our good times ( even meeting to learn to play poker!) with both Pearl and Jim and gathering whenever possible with all our families and good friends. I loved and admired his creativity and quick wit. He was for years an avid runner and swimmer which allowed him the luxury of really enjoying every morsel of food!
And Gene´s word was that he could always hit that golf ball straight down the fairway.
The most touching memory in recent years was witnessing his overflowing love in giving his daughter Zoe´s hand in marriage to her new husband Peter and bursting with his love for Pearl and for his son Sam. He had a heart of gold. Love you Jimmy `til the day I die. And I know Gene feels the same.
Rich Hodgkins
January 18, 2024
My deepest condolences to a wonderful family.
Terry Green
January 16, 2024
My cousin Jimmy was one of my favorites! His creativity was always fascinating! Also his sense of humor was a source of much fun to me! His lifetime achievements are impressive, but not surprising. I was 15 when he was born, and remember that event as a great celebration! May you be borne up on the wings of angels, dear Jimmy!
Mindi Newman
January 13, 2024
I just found out about Jim's passing. He was a full of happiness and stories. How blessed we all were to have him in our lives. He will be missed ..
Mamcy and Antonio de Marco
January 9, 2024
Acroos the miles in Madrid, Spain, where we live, we are so saddened to hear of dear Jim Ardito's passing. Apart from the wonderful times that we spent together in Evanston and Wilmette, where we shared laughter and good times, we are some of those of lucky friends who had the pleasure of tasting his unique interpretation of classic Italian Cuisine.
Our love and condolences go out to Merry, Sam and Zoe and his brother and sister. With our fondest thoughts. Nancy and Antonio de Marco
Aaron Cohen
January 9, 2024
Jimmy was a dear friend, so it´s hard to collect my thoughts. A blow for Pearl, a blow for the family. He had been struggling and suffering ever since he had back surgery, and in the painful period leading up to needing it. A few weeks ago, Jimmy and Pearl came to dinner. I made latkes and carrot cake. It was a pleasure to cook for Jimmy.
What a funny guy. Part of his sense of humor was stuck in middle school, another part in college, and another in the contemporary day to day. He always was funny! We were babbling buddies, comrades in spontaneous banter. Jimmy always was on the lookout for a good line and created a gazillion of them. When we´d talk, he always had a pen and paper handy. Sometimes he wrote things down. The most fun was when we´d just riff off each other, in accents, in silly scenarios that quickly morphed into idea generators. A tagline, a slogan, a brand identity, these were Jimmy´s trade.
He was the life of the repartee!
How hard it is to wave goodbye to old friends as though standing on a train platform, and they are in the coach leading them on a one-way journey to somewhere. We will keep them, keep Jimmy, in our hearts.
Dave Ardito, loving brother
January 8, 2024
As Jim's brother, I am touched by and so grateful for the comments that the people who knew Jim are leaving here. Your kind thoughts and fond memories help. Thank you so much. I am reeling from his sudden passing...devastated actually. I won't be able to capture here what he meant to me as my big brother, sharing a childhood for seventeen years. He was my best friend. But I do feel a strong necessity to record my thoughts and memories so I will continue to write for weeks and weeks. Thank you again for your dear comments.
Norm Berliant
January 7, 2024
May Jim Rest in Peace and his Memory be a Blessing.
Jessica Oldani
January 7, 2024
Jim and his silly, punny, beautiful shine will be dearly missed. Jim was a precious gift. He truly lived each moment, enjoying the magic and fun in life, playing in it. Many of us forget that playful joy, and Jim's way of seeing and living was always a blessing and reminder for which I will be grateful. I had the pleasure of spending weekly early mornings with Jim and working with him to create a tagline for my firm. My sincerest condolences to Jim's beloved family. He and his light will be missed.
Hank Kinzie
January 6, 2024
Jimmy Ardito
Most of my memories were noon time 'business meetings' at Smylie Brothers tap.
Jimmy was a thinker, editor, comic, critic, synthesizer, and could be almost wet your pants funny.
And he could listen. He gave me tale after yarn on his life. I shared the same.
He was of great solace in the aftermath of my wife´s passing, but the conversation ranged far beyond that.
What I experienced when with him, was a sense that his being present with me was the most important thing he could be doing.
I told him this, and that he was my teacher in this aspect of living. I caught a certain wet look in his eyes. When I thanked him, those sweet, almost delicious tears flowed.
It was a privilege to have had this experience, to be seen. I´d hoped he felt some reciprocity.
So glad to have met you, mister Jimmy, brother.
I am lucky our wives introduced us.
Bless you, James Ardito
And
Bless you, Merry Juell
Cathy Skala
January 4, 2024
Laughing so hard - I thought I would never stop. It was one of his stories. I can't remember the story, but I can remember how Jimmy made me feel...I was embraced by his love. xo We will miss you! Cathy & Mike
Kathi Quinn
January 4, 2024
"Heavenly Writing that Sells like Hell" his elevator speech at chamber networking! His smile. His devilish demeanor! His ability to be happily creative. Great guy, will be missed!!
Laura Stigler-Marier
January 3, 2024
Jim was truly a jolly good fellow, always making anyone in his presence feel jolly as well. He had that kind of spell on people. Including myself. We knew each other through the organization he co-founded, Independent Writers of Chicago. So I've him to thank for being able to make a career out of freelance writing. My thoughts and prayers to your family, Jimbo. You will be missed.
Lynn Sanders
January 3, 2024
Jim was such a delightful, funny, witty human being. Many decades ago, Jim and I collaborated in writing a theme song for IWOC (Independent Writers of Chicago), and we had such a fun time in writing together. I always admired Jim, and appreciated his enthusiasm, humor and clever writing. My prayers and condolences go out to his family. He will be greatly missed.
Anthony Giangrossi
January 3, 2024
Jim was always a vivid storyteller who brought out a smile and a good laugh....which he did with me many times. His joy for life and providing laughter will most definitely be missed. My prayers and thoughts go out to him and his family.
Julie Tag
January 3, 2024
Merry, I´m so very sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking about you and sending your family love and comfort.
Gregory Kaufman
January 3, 2024
My sincerist condolences after hearing about Jim today. I had the great pleasure of netting George and working with him about a dozen years ago and I´m honored to be able to say that I knew him. Jim always brightened every room he entered and I just thought he was such a delightful person. RIP
Maria Moore
January 3, 2024
Jim was clever and had a particular sense of humor. I admired his creativity and persistence. My thoughts and prayers to the Ardito family, Jim will be missed.
Ken Bertolucci
January 3, 2024
Jim was one of the most clever people I knew. His use of puns and ability to find humor in everything made him a delight to be around. He will be missed.
Chad Gettleman
January 3, 2024
Correction, Indian Princess years were 1996-1998.
Chad Gettleman
January 3, 2024
My sincere condolences to Jim´s family. My daughter and I were members of the same YMCA Indian Princess "tribe" with Jim and Zoe from 1988-1990 (1st-3rd grade). In addition to monthly meetings where the girls did crafts and the dads hung out, all of the Y´s tribes went on a one night camping trip 3 times a year. They were great fun for the dads and daughters. At night, Jim was the princesses´ storyteller. It was always so heartwarming to see our little girls enraptured by Jim´s spellbinding tales. He was truly a talented and wonderful guy.
Charles Hutchinson
January 2, 2024
I only knew Jim for a few years, but he was such a wonderful person to have a conversation with. Every time we spoke, I left with a smile on my face.
Natasha Palmer
January 2, 2024
"The food and the crayons, the food and the crayons!" Love it! He always had something funny or witty to say every time I saw him. He will be missed. My sincerest condolences to the Ardito Family.
"Coco" - Nicole J Colin
January 2, 2024
I worked with Jim and also was in a BNI group with him in Evanston. I always looked forward to his contributions during our BNI meetings because he often made me laugh out loud. Jim was a ray of sunshine in this not always sunny world. He will be missed. - Coco
Tom Zimmerman
January 2, 2024
To Jim's Family,
I only knew Jim from 3 years of our Early-Thursday morning meetings, and a few other times we met. He was always effusively hilarious, kind and eager to learn about new things and share his own ideas. His "travels" via Zoom are legendary!
I am sure that he will be missed dearly by all who loved him. My condolences to you all.
Warmly,
Tom Zimmerman
Sarah woltmann
January 2, 2024
I feel like I knew James, even though we never got the pleasure of meeting. I knew him through the wonderful stories his beautiful daughter Zoe shared with me. Through those stories I knew a man that loved his family deeply and was a fierce protector. I also knew a man that lived a very colorful and fascinating life. My heart is with James family right now because I know they miss him dearly.
Sarah Woltmann
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
Make a Donation
in James Ardito's name
Memorial Events
for James Ardito
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved 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
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 moreWays to honor James Ardito's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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
