James V. Appino

James Victor Appino died February 08, 2018 due to a long illness. He was born in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Victor J. and Catherine C. [Weber] Appino. He graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1955 and went to work for Illinois Bell Telephone Co. as an installer and trouble shooter. He married Kathleen E. Thompson November 26, 1960. Shortly thereafter he went into partnership with his father as co-owner of Vic and Jim's Tavern in Loves Park. Later, he left the tavern business, and with a friend, established Five Points NAPA Auto Parts Store in 1971. In 2001, he sold the business but continued to work for the new owner for the next 9 years. In his younger years, Jim spent 16 years as the athletic director for St. Patrick's Grade School where he also coached eighth grade Baseball. At the same time, he was very involved at Roy Gayle Park as a board member and youth baseball coach.
As his children grew older, “ Big Jim” became active in the Boylan Booster Club as an usher, a sideline crew member for football games, concession stand worker, all-round fix-it guy and, eventually, game announcer for football games for the next 15 years. He enjoyed being “The Voice of the Titans” until health reasons caused him to turn the role over to his son Dave in 2010. Jim then continued working as a “spotter” in the press box with his buddies. In 2000, he was presented the Boylan Veritas Award for his contributions of time and service to the school.
However, the biggest love of Jim's life was watching his children and, later, his grandchildren participate in whatever sport, musical recital, or play in which they performed.
Jim is survived by Kathy, his wife of 57 years, his children Dan [Pam], John [Beth], Susan [Steve] Didier, Jim [Sarah], and Dave [Kelli], and his grandchildren Tressa, Patrick [Riley], Madeline Appino, Jimmy [Michelle], Paul, Johnny, Michael (Anays) Appino, Jack (Katie), Erin and Elisabeth Didier, Jacob, Joseph, and Samantha Appino, Danny, Delaney and Katie Appino, and one great-granddaughter, Jocelyn Appino, He is also survived by his sister Mary [Charles] Cazzaniga, his sister-in-law Margaret [Ron] Bartz, and his brother-in-law Roy [Deb] Thompson, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his best friend, Frank Nolan, and his nieces, Janice and Joan Peterson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held February 16, 2018, at 10:30am at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford at 1243 N. Church Street. Pre-funeral visitation will take place from 9:30-10:15am at the church. Formal visitation will take place from 5-8pm the night before, Thursday, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home at 3910 N. Rockton Avenue, Rockford, Illinois. Special thanks to Delana of Northern Illinois Hospice Association. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Boylan Central Catholic High School, the Cathedral of St. Peter Grade School, and the Rockford Auburn High School Touchdown Club.