James J. Agazzi

James Agazzi Obituary

James J. Agazzi

James J. Agazzi, Emmy Award winning Production Designer, passed away on September 15, 2019, in Los Angeles, California.

Born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, Jim was preceded in death by his parents George and Dorothy (Kokalj) Agazzi.

He is survived by his husband David Brewer, sister Judi Agazzi Gawlik, nephew Randy Gawlik, niece Ashlee Gawlik Pickering, great niece and nephews Kylie, Casey, Owen and Simon.

In 1992 Jim was honored by the Joliet Junior College as an Outstanding Alum. Upon graduating from UCLA Jim became an Art Director for The Bob Hope specials and various game shows and specials at NBC. As Production Designer he earned 9 Emmy nominations. His body of work included Hart to Hart, Paper Dolls and Moonlighting for which he received an Emmy Award. James wrote, directed and produced the short film "Window that Opens" a poignant study of a woman struggling with Alzheimer's disease .

Writer, artist, designer, gourmet cook, devoted friend and always an "old soul" who loved to dance. Jim was all of these and more. He has touched many lives by sharing his gifts."Fighting for the first survivor!"

Please support The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eight Ave 16th floor, New York, NY 1001

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

Published by Herald-News on Sep. 24, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James Agazzi

15 Entries

JeaneeDean

September 15, 2025

Agony I miss you! Your Betty Boop. Jeanee

Peg Curtin

September 18, 2021

Jim was a sharp wit with a great laugh. And, he made me laugh as well. His quips as well as his kind and generous nature are etched into my memory.
May Jim Rest In Peace!

jeanee and cap dean

September 17, 2021

think of you often, pal! telling my daughter about our mornings in digger's convertable on the way to jjc ... what terrific memories we shared ... what wonderful memories we created ... what wonderful lives we had ... what stellar friends we had ... miss you so much ... thanks for writing that play about me .... your betty boop .... another toots ...

Peg Curtin

December 17, 2020

It was a pleasure and a privilege to have known Jim. I often think of his great wit, charm, laugh and incredible generosity — Rest In Peace!

Roger Dobkowitz

October 22, 2019

I had the previledge of knowing Jim when Price Is Right started in 1972...not only was he a great set designer (he designed our set for The Price Is Right) he was a very witty guy. His presence in the studio during taping days added to the fun of being in the studio. After over 40 years, many of his game designs live on...my most favorite design of his for our show has always been Three Strikes.

Roger Dobkowitz
Former producer, The Price Is Right

Christopher Nickens

October 10, 2019

For a brief time. James taught drama at Hollywood High School. He was only a couple of years older than his students, so he became a favorite teacher of ours immediately. Later, we became friends and I always watched his career progress with interest. Condolences to his loved ones.

October 2, 2019

James J. Agazzi was a man of great humor, and also a man of great generosity. He brought people together, for instance, on the 48 Hour Film Project in 2002, where I met him. After that, he hosted a writers group where creative people could exchange their work and receive feedback. He encouraged me when we worked together on a screenwriting project, and was the kind of man who immediately offered to help when I told him one of my parents was in the hospital. Irreverent, exuberant, he was one of a kind and will be sincerely missed. God bless you, Jim! As Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet: Good night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!
--Margaret Hart

September 26, 2019

Tart, Fun to banter with and so bright and creative! Always had then best Christmas trees and desserts to match. I appreciate your wit and my mother really enjoyed you too! Grateful that I got to spend a time in my life with you and your husband , David. I send Loving Light to your soul, your dear, loyal husband, David, all of your family and friends and care givers.

David Brewer

September 25, 2019

David Brewer

September 25, 2019

David Brewer

September 25, 2019

Katherine Lake

September 24, 2019

Jim was a warm and funny friend at JT drama classes. I'm proud I "knew him when".

September 24, 2019

i remember Jim in a JT High School play. This was the start of an illustrious career. My sympathy to the family and his friends.

September 24, 2019

you were my ''big brother'' and fierce best friend ... we danced our way through JJC and into our future ... you are missed but you did leave your mark ... BCNU, beloved good friend ... jeanee

Leslie and Jeanne Lambert Dean

Mike Ray

September 22, 2019

I want to thank you for believing in me. To have a man of your stature..come to my defense..and show your support..was so touching to me. I learned so much from you...and I thank you for that. May you touch those in eternity..as you touched those of us here. Thank you, my friend. Rest in peace.

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