Search by Name

Search by Name

James Amato Obituary

Amato, James R., (Jim), 51, of Pompano Beach, passed away on February 22, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born October 29, 1957, grew up in Flushing, NY. He lived in Winchester Center, CT before moving to Pompano Beach in 1992. Jim was a graduate of Holy Cross High School in Flushing and St. John's University. He earned his J.D. from St. John's University Law School and was a professor in the business department of Broward College. Jim is survived by his loving wife Mary, of 26 years; his mother Daphne; his sister Adrienne (Wayne) Shepard of Wellington; his sister-in-law Eileen (Tom) Sokol of Williston Park, NY and nieces and nephews: Connor, Keaton, Thomas, Christian, Audrey, Sean, Caitlin, Andrew and Aidan. He was predeceased by his father James Anthony Amato. Jim was a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. His thoughtfulness, sense of humor and stories of his many travels will be sorely missed. In memory of Jim, donations may be made to the St. Coleman Catholic School Scholarship Fund in memory of Jim Amato, 2250 SE 12th St., Pompano Beach, FL 33062. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Coleman Catholic Church on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 1:00 PM.

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

Published by Sun-Sentinel on Feb. 26, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Amato

Sponsored by anonymous.

Not sure what to say?





Mary

February 22, 2024

Dearest Jim,
Wow, I can't believe it's been 15 years since you left this world! I know you're always near and guiding me. Thanks for assisting me with making good choices in my life. I am grateful for quiet moments of reflection and feeling your presence. I know you're nearby whenever I hear a song that you enjoyed singing to me, or whenever, I see a dime. I believe you were instrumental with guiding some special people into my life who have helped to brighten my days. I want to thank you for always watching over me and for the special love that we shared since we were teenagers.
Love,
Mary

Louis Vilardo

February 20, 2024

I remember Professors Amato as a kind and thoughtful person and a good friend. May he rest in peace.

February 22, 2021

Dearest Jim,

I can't believe you've been gone twelve years; you continue to be loved and missed by many friends and family. I know you continue to be my special angel and watch over me; I see the signs of you close by. Thank you so much for your guidance as I have traveled through life these past twelve years without.

You're once again with both your parents. Your Mom greatly missed you, but found comfort in her nightly dreams of you.

Thank you, Darling, for 26 wonderful years of being my loving husband!

Love,
Mary

Janne Gallagher

January 29, 2020

Jim was also my law professor at NCCC where we were blessed by his intellect and humor during his time there working as an adjunct professor. I taped his lectures, and picked up a few of his hilarious expressions. I, too, didn't learn of his passing until much time after his passing, but was heartbroken when I did read it. May perpetual light shine upon him, as he is reunited in Paradise with those he loved here on Earth. He was such a wonderful man.

January 28, 2020

Jim was my law professor at Bcc back in the mid 90,s. He was great fun. We often played chess together. I did not find out about his passing till much later. May God rest his soul.

Mary

March 6, 2014

Dearest Jim,
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I know you are always with me and looking after me; I see the signs of you guiding me. I'm so grateful for the time we enjoyed together and the wonderful memories I have of knowing you for over 33 year. It's still difficult to believe that it's been five years! You certainly touched many lives and are greatly missed by all. I hope and pray that you'll continue to be my "Guardian Angel" and watch over me the next five years; I know you've "been the wind beneath my wings" these past 5 years. I will always love & miss my First and Only Love!
Forever,
Mary

Janne McLaughlin-Gallagher

December 11, 2012

Dear Mary & all of Jim's family,
I was horrified and heartbroken to learn of Jim's passing just today. I cannot find words to express my sympathy to all of you, losing someone as special as Jim. He was a professor of mine at NWCCC some years ago, who became a friend as well.We shared a similar background(born and raised in the same place). He was a brilliant, kind, caring and hilarious person. Although such a profound loss seems inconceivable to those of us whose lives he touched, God must have had an alternate plan for one who lived life as well as Jim. Certainly, he rests in the arms of that loving God now, reunited with loved ones.May God also grant you peace, light and hope until the day you, too, will be reunited.I shall never forget him. I will light a candle for him at St. Francis Xavier and pray for the repose of his dear soul.

June 5, 2010

I haven't signed Jim's guest book for a year because words don't exist that can explain how important, influential and meaningful Jim was and is in my life. A year later I think of him consistently. I have had the good fortune to have known Jim as a student, to have had Jim as a personal mentor, and to have learned the true meaning of a best friend. Jim showed me things I thought weren't possible were possible... even for me. The footprint Jim left is larger than the footprint of an army of thousands. He was and always will be my best friend. I only can hope someday I can do for another what he has done for me...

- Phil Riccciardi

Eileen and Tom & Thomas, Christian & Audrey Sokol

February 16, 2010

Dear Mary, Jim was a wonderful person. He was loved for his warm and caring ways. We all have many memories of happy and fun times with Jim. He always made us laugh. There is not a day that goes by that we don’t think of Jim or have someone or something remind us of him. We are thankful for having had Jim in our lives. He was truly an inspiration to us all. Because of him we are who we are today. Our favorite memory of Jim was his love of music and song. We all enjoyed his singing whether he was fooling around or being serious, either way he made us smile. That too is also what we will remember about Jim, his warm and gentle smile with a twinkle in his eye. We miss Jim tremendously, but will always love and treasure him in our hearts forever. We love you Jim.

February 16, 2010

We can not believe a year has gone by already. You are truly missed. Rest in peace dear friend.
Kathy and Joe

J Holness

January 2, 2010

Prof. Amato was one of those rare professors who went above and beyond for his students. He was always supportive and encouraging of your career goals and would personally become a part of the process as you explored law schools and ultimately law firms for summer associate positions. And all through the process, he made you laugh with his unmatched humor. It was a privilege to have known him. My condolence to his wife and family.

Joan Conway

September 19, 2009

Dear Mary
I just spoke to your sister Eileen and learned of Jim's passing' I knew from your last letter that he was not doing well, but I dreaded asking about him.My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you.
When I read all of the entries in the Guest Book, I wished I could have known him.He must have been a great guy and I am sure you have wonderful memories to treasure.I want you to know that you and your family mean so much to me and you will always be in my thoughts.May God watch over you and keep you in the palm of His hands.
Much Love,
Joan

Gail Thompson

April 20, 2009

Professor Amato- What a great teacher!
I still laugh at the many stories that he would tell about his days as an attorney in order to relate the material for that evening. He inspired many students, including myself, to strive and when we succeeded to embrace and enjoy the success whether small or great. I will never forget Professor Jim Amato and his zest for life and learning.

Dawn Cooper

April 20, 2009

Professor Amato was one of my favorite professors. Whenever I did not have a babysitter to go to class,he would always say just bring the kids! I think he was one of the most down to earth people that I ever met. He would challenge you, but still cut you a little slack. He will be missed. Dawn Cooper

Craig Angus

April 19, 2009

I had Mr. Amato's Finance class at BCC back in 07, This was my favorite class, Mr Amato was one of my favorite professors at BCC, He was very funny and humourous. And a really cool down to earth person. I would always email him when I had certain questions, even after the sumester. I will never forget him, he would tell all his students to use his special code when we requested our grades which was "BanastanAfganistan" how can anyone forget a code like that. He will definately be missed and will never be forgotten, and I think I speak for all the students that have had his classes at BCC. I learned alot from him, and will never forget that. "THANK YOU MR. AMATO" YOU WILL BE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER.

Lisa Boukas

March 26, 2009

March 26, 2009

Dear Mary,

It's hard to believe that my friend that I have known since I was 16 years old is gone. I will always remember his wit, laugh, adorable smile and how much he loved you. He brought so much to so many lives, and he wll be remembered in our hearts forever.

May the future hold wonderful memories for you and know that we are all there for you.

Love, Lisa, Spiro and "Boys"

A Friend

March 22, 2009

Our friend...Jim

His most enduring characteristics: humor and wit, intellect, humility and, in the end...great courage.

We learned from the master:

What if tomorrow, what if today
Faced with the question, what would he say?
This is your time. This is your dance.
Live every moment. Leave nothing to chance.

A friend for 38 years, but our time together was too short. Our loss is profound, but our memories wonderful. I know he'll always be close by.

Lisa Blagman

March 17, 2009

Ahh Amato. He was my mentor and my friend. Jim could explain anything into something I could understand and would push me until I was convinced I could do it because he believed in me. I am going to miss him. I feel honored that I got know him and learn from him like I did. He traveled the world and cherished Mary, he enjoyed life and taught so many of us. He was genuine and a delight to be near and to talk to. He never will be forgotten.

Bob Borghesi

March 13, 2009

Mary,

Jim is my indelible, irreplaceable comrade-in-arms. I miss him dearly.

Michelle Mitchell

March 8, 2009

REST IN PEACE

Philip Jehle

March 7, 2009

Mary,
My wife and I are very sorry for your loss. Jim was a warm and giving person. I received your note, thank you. My contact information is below. If I can ever be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Respectfully,
Phil Jehle
[email protected]
(636) 578-5366

Peter Chamberlin

March 7, 2009

My Thoughts and Prayers are with you Mary
And the rest of Jim’s Family ~ God Bless

Society could not have asked for a better man, his students could not have asked for a better teacher, AND I could not have asked for a better friend.
Although my heart is filled with a profound sadness today I consider myself lucky - lucky to have known Jim Amato's infinite wisdom, his unyielding love of life, and his endless devotion to family and friends.

Jim's spirit will live on eternally in every soul he has touched,
Rest In Peace Old Friend.

Jo Ann O'Neill

March 4, 2009

Mary,
How lucky we were to have Jim in our lives. Now he remains in our hearts always.

Chuck Dmytriw

March 3, 2009

Dear Mary, Daphne, and Adriennne, As deeply saddened as I am at Jim's passing, I also feel deeply blessed to have known Jim as my dearest friend. Jackie Robinson once said, "Life is Unimportant, Except for the Impact It has on Others." Jim's Impact Was Remarkable and Everlasting.

Nancy Rasche

March 2, 2009

Dear Mary,

I am so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. I know that he will surely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Nancy Rasche

Lynn Whelan

March 2, 2009

Dear Mary:

I will always remember when visiting you and Jim in Florida that he was one of the only men around with enough patience to play golf with the two of us! It was an honor for me to know Jim, and I will miss him. My prayers are with you daily.

Lynda Michaud

March 2, 2009

My Friend Adrienne I am truly sorry for you and your families loss. I love you.
Revelation 21:4
***And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death,neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore
pain: for the former things are
passed away.***

Lynda Michaud & family

Kathy and Joe

February 28, 2009

Dear Mary and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.The loss of someone, is difficult to bear. We share in your grief. Jim was such a great person and we were blessed to have him as a friend. We have a lot of good memories- he will be missed.

Cathy McMahon-Gonchar

February 28, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mary, and the family. I have some very cherished memories of Jim, from our teenage years, back in Flushing. Nearly all of them include his wonderful sense of humor and laugh. He will live on in these memories, and for that I'm so grateful.

Honi Amodio

February 28, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are you with you and your family.

February 28, 2009

Dear Mary, Daphne, and Adrian. Jim was a treasure to his friends, family and his students and he was blessed by each of them. Richard and I loved our many evenings that we all had the joy of spending together over dinner and wine with both Jim and you-we missed very few weekends together during our time in Florida and how blessed we all were for it. We have lost an exceptional human in this world and a priceless friend. Miss you Jim-Love you Mary. Angels are rejoicing and Jim loves a good party. Love, Lynn and Richard

February 28, 2009

To Mary and Family, Although I hadn't seen Jimmy in a while I know I will miss him forever. He was a great friend. I never met anyone who was as good and decent a human being.He Will never be forgotten.Mary I know it will be tough to move forward. I will just remember all the laughs and good times and know that Jimmy did have a good life. God will bless him as he blessed you for the time you and Jim had together. With all our prayers. Tommy , Gerry, Tommy jr. Steven, and Leeana.

Cousin Mary Ann & husband Joe Marriott

February 27, 2009

To Mary, Jim’s wife of 26 years, his mother, Daphne and his sister, Adrienne and his extended family, friends and colleagues, we send our heartfelt condolences. We were glad to have an opportunity to visit back in March of 2007. I will always appreciate your thoughtful visits to my elderly mother in Flushing and then Huntington. Reminiscing about the “old days” was always so much fun!

Teri Shami

February 26, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you Mary and your family in this time of grief. Jim was a wonderful man and full of life. I was one of the fortunate to have had the HONOR of having Jim for a vast majority of my classes that I took at BCC North Campus. He inspired me to continue my studies and pushed me when I thought I would never make it through the tough times. He will forever hold a special place in my heart and will be greatly missed. He was one of the most remarkable professor's any student could ever have.

Ernest Myers

February 26, 2009

Jim was a natural teacher who cared about each of his students, of which I was one and because of Jim's friendship and mentoring I am where I am today. Jim was so much more than a teacher, he was as decent a human being as I've ever known. I am saddened by his passing but relieved that Jim is now at peace. God bless you, my brother. You're the best.

Gail Rossi

February 26, 2009

Jim's upbeat nature, sense of humor and love of travel live on in our memories. Dan and I are honored to have met Jim and Mary long ago, and are so glad they had all those wonderful years since.

Janet Harvey

February 26, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I will forever miss Professor Amato; he was a great professor and a wonderful person. I had the opportunity to have him as a professor and he went above & beyond the call of duty to assist when needed. I am saddened that so many other students will not be blessed to have him as an educator. I will never forget him he was an amazing person.

God Bless
Janet Harvey (Tamarac, Fl)

Christina Lamm

February 26, 2009

I am glad I met Jim and had a chance to get some travel tips from him. He was a great person who loved to travel the world. Those memories will never fade!

Ed Henn

February 26, 2009

While experience suggests our grief over Jim's passing will eventually ease, the positive ways he touched so many of our lives will remain forever. He was a remarkable person.

Showing 1 - 40 of 40 results

Make a Donation
in James Amato's name

Memorial Events
for James Amato

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Amato's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more