Jim will for sure be missed by a lot of people.  I took piano lessons from him for 15+ years.  I started taking lessons from him as a 40-year-old adult.  I had never taken music lessons growing up.  He was very patient with my progress, as I told him I was teaching old fingers new tricks.  I had had a previous piano teacher for a short time.  As soon as I played for Jim at the first lesson, he understood exactly where I was musically, and took me further from there.  I liked that he mixed in classical pieces and modern pieces.  He always knew which pieces I should work on next that were right for where I was musically, and that would also challenge me.
I remember Jim coming out of the practice room when it was time for my lesson smiling and greeting me with, “well, Shar, are you ready for the hot seat?”  I would laugh and answer, “I’m as ready as I’m gonna get.”
I always came prepared.  From him I learned to love playing the piano, which I still do, and always will.  Also, it was Jim who introduced me to the Southwest Symphony Orchestra and the Illinois Philharmonic.  I still patronize both, and love going to concerts on the southside to hear professionals play, and where the tickets are not expensive and the parking is free.
I too loved hearing his stories – stories of he and his wife’s travels, amusing stories of his early career playing with a band, stories of people he knew throughout his career.
Jim was truly one of life’s blessings.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Betty, and the rest of his family.

Dear Betty, Darlene, Mark and Susan,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of Jim, your husband and father. 
I looked at your photos you posted of family times together. You have many happy memories to sustain you. Many brought back old days we shared.
I have been living in Florida for 25 years now. 
We enjoyed our young years as our kids grew up. You have a lovely family. 
By the way Olivia and Beverly I do remember you both. You have blossomed into lovely ladies. 
Prayers and hugs to all family. May God comfort you all. 
Nancy Granata Karlson 
Summerfield, FL. 

Mr. Giovanazzi, presented a full gusto for life,  work ethic, gratitude, humility and talent. I had the honor of learning music  under his instruction since my late teens. Through those teachings I learned life lessons too. I learned about being persistent with something that I enjoyed. I learned about traveling, cuisines, and what really mattered most in life.  Mr. Giovanazzi  served this country in the same branch of service and times as my late paternal grandfather, I was blessed to hear his military stories and experiences.  Mondays were a joy to wake up to, I didn't feel as if I were going to a lesson, but paying a visit to someone endeared.  My family noticed the luminous change in me.  I loved hearing his declarations of love for his family, and his gentle encouragements toward me to attend a musical event, or challenge a certain piece of music.  He was a calming anchor as I moved to new levels, he was a rarity.  Every Monday will remain a joy and every day after it, because I'll never stop playing the piano for myself, my family, and anyone who will listen.  When I started as his student I knew how to listen to music but, Mr. Giovanazzi taught me how to hear music! I will never forget him, his wondrous memory is embedded in my life. The entire Giovanazzi family, and his colleagues will always be in me and family's heartfelt prayers.
Jade Mary Stewart and family.

Jim and his partner at Capri/ Horizon Sal Granata were a HUGE influence in my family's musical lives for several generations. Sal was my guitar teacher for 7 years, but Jim taught my sister, my brother, and my sister's sons and her grandchildren! (Not to mention a neighbour or two!)
   God bless you, James...You certainly blessed all of us.
Joe Wright a.k.a. Joe Jammer (joejammer.com)
Keep Music Live

Jim was an incredible teacher of both the accordion and the piano. His knowledge of music was vast, and he introduced me to some of my most favorite pieces.  I fondly remember our lessons which were often part teaching and part current events discussions! He was one of the greats and will be missed. 

Dear family!!
    Your dad was  a great man!  He didn’t teach  music but the art of learning!  He taught my granddaughter how important practice and effort were!   She never wanted to go to practice unprepared!!  She knew that Jim would tell her, that you didn’t practice if she didn’t know her lesson!!!!
This effort and practice has continued on in my daughters learning fir everything!  She loved Jim’s honesty and effort with her!!
     He was a   great man and teacher!  He topped  the electronics of today!!
    THXNK you JIM And ETERNAL PEACE TO YOU  FILLED WITH MUSIC!!
        Love the garvin family 

I met Jim when he gave me my first accordion lesson in January of this year. We discovered that my grandfather, Antonio Zordan, hired Jim to give accordion lessons at his music school in 1956, the year I was born. I learned a lot from Jim and we had fun talking about Eddie Baldacci and reminiscing about old days in Roseland. I will miss him very much.


So very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He  was just a wonderful person. Loved hearing  the stories of his life .  He always said how blessed he was and most of all what a wonderful family he had.  Taught me so much. I will  miss him dearly. 



Jim became a part of our family’s dinner-time conversation when my husband started accordion lessons. Tom loved this man. His weekly lesson became more about current events, God, and health rather than the accordion. A few months later, Michael started piano lessons with Jim. He flourished under his tutelage. Michael’s confidence was built up through Jim’s gentle guidance. When Nicholas began to show interest in the piano, we knew the perfect teacher! I can see the mark he has left on my boys and my husband. He was one of the best blessings to enter into their lives. He will always have a special place in our family. ♥️

So very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I truly loved my time with him. He was a wonderful teacher . I will miss him.


                    

Very sad to hear of Jim’s passing. I always looked forward to my weekly piano lesson with Jim because we would trade stories with each other which took up most of the lesson. I will miss our days of story telling. He was a great teacher and a true gentleman. Rest in peace James.

Thanks Mr . Jim for your talent and love of music. My three children learned so much from you at Horizon . We are so grateful to have known you and wish you eternal peace and rest 🙏

Jennifer Harmening 

OBITUARY

James E. Giovanazzi

August 1, 1935 – August 24, 2023

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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