James "Jim" V. DiGiovanni

James “Jim” Vincent DiGiovanni, 73, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on July 26, 2026. Jim was born on July 8, 1953, in Rockford, to Anthony and Antonette DiGiovanni. He graduated from West High School, before furthering his education at United Electronic Institution of Louisville, Kentucky. On September 29, 1973, Jim married the love of his life, Shonnie Perkins. Jim made friends everywhere he went, especially through working various jobs including the Rockford Register Star and 911 Dispatch Center to name some.

Jim had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh with others. He enjoyed playing music on his guitar and drums, especially while listening to The Beatles and Jimmy Buffet. Jim also liked to press his luck from time to time on scratch off tickets. To further press his luck, he was a lifelong Chicago Bears fan and faithfully cheered for them each Sunday. His favorite way to end a long day was a bonfire and a cold drink in his hand, particularly in the summertime when his firework stash was plentiful. Above all else, Jim loved his family immensely and would do anything for them, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Shonnie DiGiovanni; children, Jessica (Paul) Lepien, and Phillip DiGiovanni; grandchildren, Anthony “Tony” Lepien and Katie Lepien; brother, Michael (Kris) DiGiovanni; brother-in-law, Brian (Kim) Perkins; nieces, Nikki DiGiovanni, Tiffany (Jamie) Barone, and Michelle Garrett; great-niece, Gia Barone.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Antonette; niece, Kerry Prokup.