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James Raymond Paradiso

James Paradiso Obituary

Born in Chicago, IL to Loretta (Pullano) and James Paradiso Sr., James (Jim) Raymond Paradiso, age 75, passed away on Monday, March 16th, 2020, in Madison, Wisconsin. A "recovering academic", Jim was forever proud of his graduate degrees in Philosophy and Business Administration. An early adapter of the digital academic movement, he was known to teach online college courses at 4AM from his home office, enjoying his most creative hours before the sun rose.

Later in life, his artistry blossomed, first with painting, then photography and, finally, memoirs and plays. He went on to have dozens of pieces published and dedicated his work to his true love, sweet muse and bodyguard, Suzi; his most devoted fan.

A fiercely intelligent and loyal soul, he will be kept alive in the hearts of those who love him, including his daughters, Rebecca and Nicole; son-in-law, Francisco; grandchildren, Majua, Niko and Dessa Rose; dear cousin, Ava; and his beautiful community of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Suzi, for whom his love reigns eternal.

Jim's family would like to share their profound appreciation for the staff at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI for their supreme care and kindness.

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

Published by Chicago Tribune on Mar. 22, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for James Paradiso

19 Entries

Robert Denkewalter

March 12, 2022

Jim was a good baseball player. I remember him from South Elm little league. He was a gentle and person. i am sure friends and family miss him a lot. RIP old friend.

Ina Beierle

March 12, 2021

James would bring a sheet of plywood into class to investigate the images he saw in the grain and knots. Creatures emerged out of his findings, interesting, odd and always made more fun based on James' sense of humor. He really delighted in creating his art. When he moved, I missed him. It's always nice having a person in class with unique vision.

Ina Beierle

June 4, 2020

I was Jim's art teacher at TAC in Highland Lark. IL. I will treasure the time I worked with him. Jim was extremely creative and expressed his wit in his artwork. He would find images in the grain of wood on boards he brought in. I know he's finding them in the clouds. Peace Jim.

Alfonso Barrera

May 21, 2020

Mr. Paradiso made a big impact in my life and saw promise in me I didn't see in myself. His passion for business and entrepreneurship inspired me and I'm sure countless other students to become business owners. God bless you and your family.

Tom Tucker

April 3, 2020

Very sad news today. He had a quick smile and fast wit when we met up during our Fenwick years. Madison is a wonderful place to spend part of your life. My prayers for Jim and family in this sorrowful time. God bless.Tom Tucker

Jacquelyn Hassett

March 30, 2020

I didn't know James very well, but I do know that he was always very cordial to students and colleagues. I believe that he has now reached a place that is representative of his name. God bless him and his family.

Charlie Nystrom

March 30, 2020

My thoughts are with Jim, and prayers with family and friends. He was a good man to work with.

Lauren LoPresti

March 30, 2020

So sorry to hear about Jim's passing. I had the honor of working with him at CLC. Two things I remember were that I would just be starting my day, and he would have already put in his office hours and would be heading home to work. He was very instrumental with establishing our online courses; he was part of the A Team that organized to discuss online teaching and learning.

Linda Petersen

March 30, 2020

I remember Jim as such a quality person and a true gentleman at CLC! He always had a warm smile and was truly a part of the team...more like a family. My heart goes out to his family and friends in their great loss. Jim will not be forgotten!

Terry Sullivan

March 25, 2020

The Jim Paradiso I knew at Fenwick HS never feared nor sought acceptance from any of the "cool guy" peer groups or alpha cliques that dominated the caste system of a very selective an all-boys school. There was nothing pretentious about Jim, nothing superficial. He enjoyed your company based upon your sincerities,not your address nor your cool clothes. Twice he asked me to join him in his "four on the floor", Pontiac Bonneville as we tooled down North Avenue. It was Jim at his most engaging self, jocular,free-spirited without one care for what the cool guys might have thought about his resistance to their set of values. Those were great rides, Jim...free from the fear of rejection. Thanks for the lessons. God bless....Terry Sullivan '62

Terry Sullivan

March 25, 2020

The Jim Paradiso I knew at Fenwick HS never possessed any of the insecurities the rest of
caved into. His maturity was such that he never sought the approval of any of the many cliques and peer groups that imposed requirements for acceptance. Most of the time,Jim "rode confident" in his own pursuits...especially when he would tool down North Avenue in his stick shift Pontiac Bonneville. Perhaps I only rode with him twice, but it was more than worth it There was no caring if we dressed like the "cool guys" or if we were part of the alpha pack. Jim had that kind of advanced confidence that communicated to me that he was pleased and confident in himself. Those were great rides... with a classmate who accepted others on face value. There was nothing pretentious about him. He was a joy to be with and a refreshing relief from the trappings of pressures in the caste system of the all boys school. God Bless you, Jim...and thank you.

Cowboy from Chicago

Jerry Adoree

March 25, 2020

As a classmate and friend I send my sincere condolences. From Jerry Adoree in North Carolina. May God bless his soul.

Karl Sundstrom

March 25, 2020

I wish I'd known him better when we were attending Fenwick High School. We were classmates then and I was surprised to learn that he was only one day younger than myself. God bless him.

Seymour Sievert

March 25, 2020

I will miss our conversations, your very creative photo art, and reading, discussing, and laughing with you about your literary works. But most of all I will miss you, my dear friend. YITB.

March 25, 2020

Thinking of the family and wishing them comfort and peace

March 23, 2020

From the heart of Cousin Carole. We were 2yrs. Apart in age but so enjoyed our childhood together. Too many memories to list but will never be forgotten. Our last talk you still thanked me for teaching you to dance. Until we meet once again we shall share a last dance. Love to you and Susi (I know you're together).COUSIN CAROLE

Jann Freed

March 22, 2020

I met JP at a professional academic conference in Chicago about 20 years ago or more. I called him JP because he looked so much like JT. He was smart, creative, funny, and stubborn. I know how he adored Suzi and his family as he sent photos to me constantly that he loved taking. He will be missed, but remembered.

RICHARD DAVIDSON

March 22, 2020

I'll miss you, Jimmy Paradise. You were a great friend.

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