James John Cattano

James was born in New York City on June 24, 1943. He grew up in Jackson Heights and later Eastchester, New York, where he graduated from Eastchester High School in 1961. He went on to earn a BA in Modern Languages from his beloved St. Bonaventure University, graduating in 1965. He subsequently attended the NYU Graduate School of Business and in 1966, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, where he served as a Lance Corporal. James later lived in Darien and Ridgefield, Connecticut before moving to Naples, Florida in 2006.

James “Jim” began his professional life at Chase Manhattan Bank before embarking on a lifelong career in the international trade of bulk and soft commodities, specializing in fertilizer and chemicals. His business took him virtually around the world, and he worked for AMF, Glencore, and Norsk Hydro before setting out on his own in 1996, founding Primary Resources.

Starting with little more than his dog, a fax machine, and a pledged line of credit, Jim built Primary Resources into a successful international venture, ultimately selling it to a Spanish commodity group 15 years later. Throughout his career, Jim also served on the boards of Credit Suisse and Aberdeen international closed-end mutual funds.

While Jim was proud of his professional accomplishments, St. Bonaventure University held a special place in his heart and he served on its Board of Trustees for more than ten years. He lived for Bonnie basketball and represented the University at every opportunity. Jim also served on the board of the Pelican Marsh Club in Naples, FL for the past six years.

Jim is survived by his wife of 34 years, Elsa; his son, Michael (Molly), and their children, Sarah, Kelly, and Brett; Elsa’s daughter, Hillary Busch, and her children, Zachary and Emily; and Dina (John) Lavorato and their children, Michael and Jack.

He will be long remembered for his kind smile, quick sense of humor and spirit of generosity. Jim had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome and connected, and his stories, laughter, and friendship will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held at 9am on Friday, September 11th, at Hodges Funeral Home (525 111th Avenue N, Naples, FL 34108). Following visitation will be a 12pm Funeral Mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (625 111th Avenue N, Naples, FL 34108). After mass is a catered reception back at Hodges Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that any donations be made to St. Bonaventure University in Memory of James Cattano (www.sbu.edu).