James Joseph Rizzi

James (Jimmy) Joseph Rizzi, 61, the world famous pop artist died peacefully in his sleep in his studio loft in So Ho, New York, on Dec. 26. Jimmy was born in Brooklyn, New York and spent his childhood summers in Lake Hopatcong, NJ, beginning in 1956. He studied Fine Arts at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Jimmy was predeceased by his father, Dominick Rizzi and was the loving son of Margaret Rizzi of Rockaway, NJ, his dear brother William Rizzi of Lake Hopatcong, NJ and his dear sister, Roberta Rizzi of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. He is cherished by nieces Jennifer Fishman and Laura Rizzi of Jupiter, Fl. and nephew Brian Rizzi of Phoenix, AZ.

James Rizzi became famous for the 3D paper sculptures he invented, the playful and childlike forms and bright colors of which were to become his artistic trademark. Thus he acquired a large international following across all age groups and classes. Another claim to fame came through the application of his distinctive style to a large variety of everyday objects — from Rizzi stamps to the Rizzi house, from Rizzi puzzles to the Rizzi jet plane, from Rizzi chinaware to Rizzi cars and trains.

Throughout his life, Rizzi contributed to a number of charities, the well-being of children being particularly close to his heart. This is one of the reasons why a public school in Duisburg, Germany, bears his name.