Obituary for James W. Borio (a/k/a Dad, Papa, and Rizzo) left this earth on August 13, 2018, in search of the best slice of pizza, a big bucket of popcorn, and the perfect bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy, leaving behind his tape measure, pocket knife, toothpick holder, all of which were always in his pocket, and cowboy boots. Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Nancy; daughters JoLynn (Rob) Sittler and Paula (Jeff) Campbell; grandchildren Jaclyn, Colin, Matt, and Kara; brothers Vince and Ken (Marianne) Borio; and namesake grand-dog Rizzo. He is preceded in death by his parents James and Elizabeth Borio, dogs Brownie and Ginger, and his blue 1967 Chevelle, which I’m sure will be gassed up and waiting to take him for a ride.
Jim attended St. Mary Nativity, where he would hang on and ride the Ruby Street drawbridge up during recess and test the patience of the nuns, and Joliet Catholic High School, where he played on the undefeated 1965 championship football team. After finishing school, Jim joined the Will County Carpenters Local Union 174. Jim never went anywhere without his union card in his wallet.
He was a proud union member who considered Local 174 his second family. Like Jed Clampett, Jim enjoyed the simple things in life, so in the mid ‘80s, Jim loaded up the family and moved to…Wilmington? Yep, not in search of swimming pools and movies stars but peace and quiet.
Jim put his carpenter skills to work and nearly single-handedly built the family’s A-frame log cabin. After his daughters left for college, Jim and Nancy “downsized” to a new house with 10 acres of land. Jim enjoyed futzing around in the ultimate woodworking garage he built, which was always meticulous, and on his 10 acres, where he created a beach oasis for his kids and grandkids.
Spending time with his family, watching NASCAR, playing Beatles songs on his guitar, running a 5k every single day, hunting, playing racquetball, and throwing out one-liners were Jim’s favorites. If he thought you were trying to pull a fast one on him, he would say, “I may have been born at night, but it wasn’t last night! ” Jim was an always-got-your-back kind of guy who never wanted anything in return.
His quick-wittedness and knowledge will be missed but never forgotten. In remembrance of Jim, please make a donation to your favorite charity or watering hole, whichever you think he would prefer. In lieu of flowers, please share your favorite memory of Jim at www.
CHSFUNERAL.com Jim wanted to be sent to the taxidermist to be preserved in life-like fashion so he could “show” up at a union meeting or carpenters’ breakfast for one last laugh. Instead, he left instructions to be cremated. His new address will be the Superstition Mountains in Arizona, so drop by and pay him a visit if you’re in the neighborhood.
As a lifelong Chicago White Sox and Indianapolis Colts fan, Jim would say, “Go, Cubs…and take the Bears with you! ” To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James W. Borio please visit our Sympathy Store.
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