James Tognacci Obituary
Jim Tognacci, 83, passed away on March 7, 2026 in Fountain Hills, AZ. Jim was born to Virginia and Nazareno (Ned) Tognacci on July 24, 1942. He grew up in Taylorville, Illinois and attended their public schools, graduating with the class of 1960. He then attended the University of Illinois where he served as sports editor for The Daily Illini, the campus newspaper. After graduating in 1964, Jim began teaching in the Washington, Illinois school district. In 1975, Jim left the classroom to become a sales representative for Harper and Row's K-12 textbooks in Central and Southern Illinois. A few years later he was recruited by Holt, Reinhardt, and Winston to be their sales representative for Central and Southern Illinois.
Jim's replacement at Harper and Row was Patty (Tricia) Kline who Jim helped get started even though she was a competitor. In 1982 they would marry and move to Phoenix, AZ where Jim would continue to work for Holt, Reinhardt and Winston. Over the years as sales grew Holt and Harcourt Brace merged. Jim was moved into management, first as division manager than as regional manager for 9 Western states excluding California. Jim retired in 2007, but remained in touch with his colleagues and friends in the business.
Jim and Tricia loved to travel and enjoyed the companionship of their different cairn terriers through the years. He was a lifelong devoted fan of the New York Yankees and the Fighting Illini. He also enjoyed participating in Fantasy Sports Leagues and cheering on the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Cardinals.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Margie Tilton, Jack Ronchetto, Elaine Brown, Tommy and Louis Tognacci; and nephews Jac Tilton, Mike Brown, and Mark Tognacci. He is survived by his wife, Tricia, and his many beloved nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Jim had a strong sense of family that extended beyond the USA to his family in Rimini, Italy.
Jim was loved by all who knew him. He will always be a part of our hearts.
No services are planned.
If you would like to make a donation in Jim's honor, please consider:
Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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