James Anthony Molinaro Sr

James Anthony Molinaro, Sr.

July 18, 1950 to March 3, 2026

James Anthony Molinaro Sr., after suffering for months of kidney and lung complications, passed away from death to eternal life to be with his LORD on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, at the age of 75. He was born July 18th, 1950, in Evanston, Illinois. He was adopted as an infant by his father Michael L. Molinaro and first wife Helen Benedict. He was brought to Chicago, where he grew up. After Helen passed away from leukemia, he was an only child for a few more years until his father married his second wife, Marian Fox. where he gained 5 more siblings. Jim Sr. was raised Catholic, and as a young boy he served as an altar boy at St. Daniel the Prophet Catholic Church.

Jim Sr. is survived by his wife Darla Anderson Molinaro, of Whitesboro, Texas, and her daughter, Jennifer Rosario [Nick] of Princeton, Texas who was legally adopted in Las Vegas, as his own daughter, shortly after they were married. He is also survived by his first wife, Theresa O'Keefe of Las Vegas, Nevada, with whom he had 3 children – James Molinaro Jr. [Cory - ex-wife], now of Denton, Texas, Michael R. Molinaro of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Michelle Curtis [Patrick] of Henderson, Nevada. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren Ryan Molinaro [Michael] of Las Vegas, Nevada, Nicolas and Candice Molinaro [James Jr.] of Denton, Texas, Dylan and Darin Curtis [Michelle] of Henderson, Nevada, as well as sharing Darla's 2 grandchildren Summer and Chase Barros [Jennifer] of Princeton, Texas.

Jim Sr. was preceded in death by his father Michael L. Molinaro, first Mother Helen Benedict Molinaro, and stepmother Marian Fox Molinaro. He is also survived by his 5 siblings – Donna Flanagan [Bill] of Chicago, IL, Michael L. Molinaro Jr. [Bridget] of Berwyn, IL, John Molinaro [Kathy] of Frankfort, IL, Gina Molinaro of Bridgeview IL, and Maria Molinaro-Whalen of Chicago, IL.

Jim Sr. served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 – 1972, achieving the rank of Buck Sargent. He was last stationed at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he worked in the fuel shop and on the flightline of F4 and F111 jets. Upon discharge from the service, he and his family moved to Chicago, where he worked as a machinist. After 1 ½ years, he and his family moved back to Las Vegas, where he worked security at the Las Vegas Convention Center, served as a North Las Vegas Police officer, and went into the maintenance field where he worked for Bar-K Realty, Clark County Housing Authority, and US Foods until he retired.

He was a proud husband, father, and grandfather, as well as an avid fan of the Chicago based sports teams, as well as the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and TCU college football teams. He also enjoyed country music, and cooking on his grill.

In 2018 he and his current wife [Darla], made the decision to move to Texas, after she suffered some of her own health problems, to be closer to Darla's relatives, and receive the level of medical care necessary for her own continued quality of life. When he passed away in the hospital in Plano, Texas, he was surrounded by many loving family members, as well as our dear friend, Pastor Ben Scheck, who stayed with Jim Sr. and the family for the long vigil, providing much prayer, comfort, and support to all. Now, Jim Sr. is home with his God in Heaven, resting peacefully, free of all pain and suffering, in the loving arms of our Lord JESUS.

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