James "Jim" Camatti

James (Jim) Camatti, 71, of Rockford, IL, passed away on Friday, December 2. 2022. He was born on May 25, 1951, in LaSalle, IL, the son of Glenn and Dorothy (Pirch) Camatti.

Jim served his country in the United States Army in Viet Nam. He worked as a plant manager and engineer in manufacturing at PGI Mfg. LLC. In 1988, Jim married Pam Pulkis in Key West FL. He was an amateur photographer who developed his own film and especially loved black and white photography. Enjoyed fishing with family and friends whenever he could. Jim enjoyed gardening (both flowers and vegetables) and landscaping and sharing their rewards with others. He was a big Cubs and Bears fan. Jim served as a Volunteer at Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful. He also had a soft spot for animals and the organizations that helped them. He’ll be remembered for his kindness, compassion and generosity by those who knew him.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Pam; sisters, Cheri (John) Etscheid and Cathy (Gary) Hitchins; nieces and nephew, Katrina, Jessi, Stephanie and Zak and lifelong friend, Ray. Preceded in death by his parents.

Special thank you to the doctors and nurses of the Critical Care Unit at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center

All services for Jim are private. Memorials in Jim’s name may be made to Illinois Valley Animal Rescue (www.illinoisvalleyanimalrescue.net), Almost Home Foundation (www.almosthomefoundation.org), Illinois Valley Veterans Home (www2.illinois.gov) or the Veterans Drop-In Center (www.veteransdropincenter.com). Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.