James (Jim) V. Gianforte (retired C.F.D, B.O.B.), age 90, was born September 5, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois to Salvatore and Rosaria Gianforte. He was the oldest of their 3 children and also had 4 older step-sisters and one older step-brother. Jim served in the Navy during World War II. He married Josephine (nee Giliberto, deceased) on April 17, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois. They were married for almost 67 years. He was the very proud father of three children: James (Susan), Cathleen (Daniel) McHugh, and Carolyn (Chris) Garrity. Jim was a very loving and dedicated grandfather, affectionately known as "Papa" to his grandchildren: James (Dana) Gianforte, Christopher (Kim) McHugh, Matthew (Meyoun) Gianforte, Joseph (Johanna) Gianforte, Michael (Amy) McHugh, and Katherine Garrity. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and would spend hours loosely supervising his grandsons during their weekly visits and took much delight in all of their antics to the chagrin of Josephine, who needed to restore order frequently throughout and after those visits. When his only granddaughter was born several years later, she immediately became his princess and he doted on her constantly. He was blessed with five great-grandchildren: Mason Gianforte, Kaylee Gianforte, Delaney McHugh, Finn McHugh, and Amelia Gianforte. Jim was often heard to say, "I had a good life. I got to work at a job I loved. I got to see all of my children marry. I got to see all of my grandchildren and now I can see my great-grandchildren." He loved his family dearly and was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather.

Jim spent his career as a Chicago firefighter. His career began on July 6, 1954 and he reluctantly retired September 5, 1988. After his retirement he would tell anyone who asked that he looked forward to going to work every single day of his career. He was a proud union member and identified himself as part of the Brotherhood of the Barrel (the name union firefighters took on when they went on strike for 23 days in 1980 against Mayor Jane Byrne and the city of Chicago). When he was not working, Jim loved to play golf with his beloved brother, John, and a number of their old friends weekly. He loved to do crossword puzzles every day. He loved music and could sing along to just about any song he heard. He could fix just about anything that was broken and worked hard throughout his life to provide for his wife and family and to give generously to his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by the many people who loved him.  Visitation Sunday 4 to 9 p.m. Funeral Service Monday 10 a.m. at Nelson Funeral Home 820 Talcott, Park Ridge. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to EMWQ Retiree's, Widow's and Children's Assistance Fund, www.widowsandchildren.org would be appreciated. For information 847-823-5122 or www.nelsonfunerals.com