James "Jimmy" Cascio

James “Jimmy” Cascio, 65 of Rockford, Il. surrenderd to cancer on Friday, April 1, 2016, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born January 21, 1951, in Dallas, TX. to Frank and Josephine (Fanara) Cascio. In 2000, he married Holly Blair and they celebrated 16 years together. An educator, Jimmy celebrated 35 years as a teacher and eight years of tutoring after his retirement. He was a champion for kids and sought fulfillment in the results of the tutoring program. In 2014, he earned the title Rockford Park District “Employee of the Quarter” for his efforts in rescuing a soccer player in medical distress.

Survivors: wife, Holly ; daughter, Sarah (Brian) Leatherman; stepdaughters, Sarah (Michael) Berman, Hattie (Michael) Krick, Abby Johnson; grandchildren, Alex, Gia, Kayla, Shaina, Dahlia, Rebecca, and Clara; brother, Richard (Linda) Cascio; nieces and nephews, Richard,Vicky, Jodi, Michael, Kim, Ricky.

One of the enduring legacies of Jimmy's life was that he faced cancer honestly, with grace and courage.

Through his deep faith, his pain was transformed into blessings for him, his family, and so many others.

Some of the qualities Jimmy's family and loved ones appreciate most are his strong spirit, laughter, love

of children, playful nature, spiritual depth, and his unlimited energy. Jimmy's life testifies to an abiding

love that continues to be a source of strength to his family.

Funeral Service: 10:00 on Friday, April 8 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church 920 3rd. Ave. Rockford, Il. Visitation: 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Visitation: 5:00 ~ 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 7 at Sunset Funeral Home 88oo N. Alpine Rd. Machesney Park, Il. Memorials to the family will be donated to Emmanuel Lutheran Church and VNA hospice. To express condolences, visit www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com