James Viviano
Belleville |
James M. Viviano, 64, of Belleville, IL, born July 14, 1960, in Belleville, IL, entered the arms of his Heavenly Father on Monday, September 9, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.
Jim worked at Viviano’s Italian Restaurant with his family, spending most of those days alongside his father John Viviano who was a mentor to him. Jim was also a professional photographer and he photographed automotive racing for 45 years.
The Belleville News-Democrat’s Sunday Magazine featured an article about Jim’s photographic talents in his twenties. He prized the iconic photograph he captured of race car driver Mario Andretti and many other racing greats. Local famous race car driver, Kenny Wallace, paid tribute to Jim as a good friend who was a fixture and fantastic photographer at the tracks. Wayne County Speedway commemorated Jim’s passing by featuring his photo on their site since his passing.
Jim was a man of few words and a quick wit. He was well known around town and enjoyed following the local bands, particularly his favorite, Rogers & Nienhaus. He loved to cook for his family and enjoyed hosting his annual summer party that always included live music and a delicious meal he lovingly prepared for his friends and family. His last party was five days before his sudden hospitalization. During the year, Jim would prepare trays of lasagna, chicken tetrazzini, and pizza to treat friends in night spots around town, always bringing along a quiet smile and good cheer to folks.
Jim also enjoyed his pool leagues, his beloved cats, and landscaping the family home to perfection. He prided himself making Cucidati Christmas Italian fig cookies with his mother every Christmas season with figs from his own fig tree and continued this tradition after her passing. He made Grandma’s Italian turkey stuffing on Thanksgivings and linguini with clams every Christmas Eve because these Italian traditions were important to him. Christmas wasn’t Christmas until he decorated the outside of the family home with festive Christmas lights for everyone to enjoy. He lived life with gusto and will be sorely missed by family and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, John P. Viviano; his mother, Justine Viviano; two sisters, Jacqueline Davis and Joyce Ellen Viviano; and grandparents, Pietro and Rosalia Viviano and Joseph and Serafina LoGrasso.
Surviving are siblings, John Viviano (Barbara) of O'Fallon, IL, Joanna Viviano of Belleville, IL, Jeannette Linck of Belleville, IL, Jerome Viviano (friend Rita Braman) of Raleigh, NC, and Joseph Viviano (friend Stephanie) of St. Louis, MO; his uncle and aunt, Pete and Catherine LoGrasso of St. Peters, MO; and many dear nieces, nephews, and friends.
Memorials may be made to the family in care of John Viviano. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 a.m. to 12 noon Monday, September 16, 2024, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, Belleville, IL. A recitation of the rosary by St. Teresa’s Legion of Mary will be held.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon Monday, September 16, 2024, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Joseph Oganda and Msgr. William McGhee concelebrating.
Cremation will follow the services.
Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL, at a later date.
Renner Funeral Home