James "Jim" Valesano

The fabric of this community is a little more tattered with the passing of Jim Valesano, 71, of Ottawa on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at LaSalle County Nursing Home. A Memorial Mass will be 10:00 am Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at St. Mary's Church in Naplate with Rev. Fr. Augustin Kassa. We are honoring Jim's wishes by not having a visitation. Ottawa Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with his arrangements. Jim was born January 6, 1943 in Ottawa, Illinois to James and Lena (Panier) Valesano. He married Marilyn Walker June of 1993 at St. Roch's Catholic Church in LaSalle; she preceded him in death October 28, 2013. Jim was a beloved son, brother, uncle, husband, friend. He was a MHS football star, a graduate of Purdue University, a teacher in Chicago, a horse trainer, an environmentalist. Mostly he was a kind, generous man who had a smile and jovial greeting for everyone. He knew that Ottawa/Naplate was his community and where he wanted to live his life. He carried on the tradition of Valesano's market into its 85th and final year of business. He is survived by his sister, Kathleen. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; and one sister, Gayle. Special thanks to Handy Foods for giving Jim an outlet for the famous Valesano sausage and for the support he received from his co-workers. Thank you to Jim Schwarzbach, Ed McGinnis, Bob Pillion, Tom Paquette and many others who were always there when he needed them most. Your unwavering devotion was appreciated by Jim and a comfort to his remaining family. Please celebrate his life in a way most meaningful to you. Donations in his name can be made to LaSalle County Nursing Home, patient care fund, or your favorite charity.