James Paradiso

Born in Chicago, IL to Loretta (Pullano) and James Paradiso Sr., James (Jim) Raymond Paradiso, age 75, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16th, 2020, in Madison, Wisconsin. A “recovering academic” at heart, Jim was forever proud of his graduate degrees in Philosophy and Business Administration with particular loyalty and affiliation to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. An early adapter of the digital academic movement, he was known to teach online college courses at 4AM from his home office wearing his bathrobe and enjoying his most creative hours before the sun rose.

Later in life, his artistry blossomed, starting with painting, then photography and, finally, memoirs and plays. He went on to have dozens of pieces published in the U.S. and internationally, and as fate would have it, found the greatest public recognition for his craft when his wife, Susan (Suzi) Paradiso, became ill in 2016. He dedicated his work to his true love, sweet muse and bodyguard, Suzi; his most devoted fan.

A fiercely intelligent, complex and loyal soul, he will be kept alive in the hearts and minds of those who love him, including his daughters, Rebecca and Nicole; son-in-law, Francisco; grandchildren, Majua, Niko and Dessa Rose; dear cousin, Ava; and his beautiful community of family and friends who shared their love so generously throughout his lifetime. He was preceded in death by his wife, Suzi, for whom his love reigns eternal. His light will never be forgotten.

Jim’s family would like to share our profound appreciation for the staff at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI. As fate would have it, both Jim and Suzi passed away at Agrace in the same room (16), just over a year apart. They were loved and cared for with supreme kindness and affection for which we are forever grateful. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s memory to Agrace Hospice (https://www.agrace.org/donate/).