James (Jim) LaSalle

James "Jim" LaSalle, passed peacefully into eternal life next to his loving wife Regina of 65 years at their home in Phoenix on March 26, 2024 at age 87. He was born on December 12, 1936, in East Orange, New Jersey. Jim was loved and respected by all who knew him. His passions were teaching, spending time with his family, and making everyone's day happier. Jim was selfless and spent his entire life helping others be more informed and more successful in life.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Regina, 4 children, 9 Grandchildren, 2 Great Gandchildren, and his brother Louie.

Children - James "Jamie" LaSalle (Phoenix), Greg & Stephanie LaSalle (Scottsdale), Neidra & Alan Thomas (Missoula), Jay & Analisa (Scottsdale)

Grandchildren - Drew and Annelise LaSalle, Jake & Kirsty LaSalle, Michelle & Lee Stunkard, Michael & Alexa Thomas, Kelsey Thomas, Kevin & Shannon Thomas, RJ LaSalle, Jayson LaSalle, Cassidy LaSalle

Great Grandchildren - William Stunkard & Henry Stunkard

He was preceded in death by his Father James, Mother Mary, and siblings Marie and Anthony "Sonny".

Jim received his Doctorate and Masters degrees at Penn State University, his Undergraduate degree from Montclair State, and his H.S. Diploma from East Orange H.S. Jim and Regina were Mary and Joseph in the Christmas Nativity Play at Vernon L Davey Junior High when they were 12 years old.

Jim had an illustrious career at The University of Arizona spanning from 1964 to 2004. He holds the title of Professor Emeritus and was honored with the Distinguished Professor Award which goes to the Faculty of the Year at The U of A. Jim was instrumental in establishing the MIS Department at The U of A 50 years ago, impacting the lives of over 50,000 students through his teaching, academic advising, Faculty Fellow, and SALT Program roles over his 40 year career.

He was a true servant of the Lord and a devoted man of tremendous faith. Jim was an ordained Deacon for almost 50 years. He served at St. Cyril's, Thomas More Catholic Newman Center, and St. Thomas the Apostle in Tucson, AZ. Jim baptized all 9 of his grandchildren and his great grandchildren. He also presided over the marriage ceremonies of Neidra & Alan in Tucson, AZ; Jay & Analisa in Huntington Beach, CA; and Michelle & Lee Stunkard in Missoula, MT.

Outside of work, Jim found joy in coaching his kids in Little League Baseball and spending quality time with his beloved wife Regina. Jim loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports, complete/continue their education, and become extremely successful and happy.

A funeral service will be held at 10am on April 20 at Most Holy Trinity Church at 8620 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020.

To continue Dr LaSalle's Legacy and to honor him for his contributions he made to his students, we set up the "Dr. Jim LaSalle Professor Emeritus Memorial Scholarship". If you want to help continue his legacy please consider contributing to this scholarship for future University of Arizona students - Dr. Jim LaSalle Professor Emeritus Memorial Scholarship

Eller Community Remembers Dr. James (Jim) LaSalle