1958
James
2023
James Rizzo
January 16, 1958 — October 22, 2023
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of James Harley Rizzo, age 65, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle and friend. Jim was born on January 16, 1958, in San Jose, California. He passed away after a hard-fought battle against COVID-related pneumonia on October 22, 2023, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, with his loving family by his side.
Jim was born to Joe and Charm Rizzo and grew up with his siblings, Don, John and Jena in Citrus Heights, California. He had a fun childhood with his siblings and grandparents, picking and eating prickly pears from the backyard, fishing with Grandpa, making ice cream, and eating Grandma’s cioppino. The family moved to Eau Claire when Jim was in middle school. During high school, Jim worked on a farm, was President of FFA, and enjoyed snowmobiling, swimming, and fishing in Lowes Creek. He was a volunteer of the Town of Washington Fire Department and was always proud of his car, a 1972 copper-colored Mach 1 Ford Mustang.
After graduating from Eau Claire Memorial, he moved to Sacramento to devote his life to helping others as a firefighter and paramedic. In the 70s, he returned to Eau Claire and became a Constable for the Town of Washington and then worked in Law Enforcement until his early retirement. He continued his education at UW-Eau Claire for Computer Science, worked on computer hardware, and eventually owned his own computer company.
After he met Jackie Bischoff and her son Bjorn, they were married in early 1998. They later welcomed Kaija into the family. Every day was an adventure living with Jim. He was always learning new things, starting new enterprises such as selling fireworks, being an Uber/Lyft driver, and creating websites. Jim was very active in supporting his children’s school and outside activities.
Jim had an authentic Italian personality. He talked with his hands, was loud and funny, and loved a large steak and Italian bread. He will always be remembered for his abundant generosity, thoughtfulness, and sense of humor that brought light and laughter to those around him. His presence was a source of warmth, comfort, and joy to all who knew him.
Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Jackie, loving daughter, Kaija Rizzo, and son, Bjorn Bischoff. They were the pride and joy of his life. He also leaves his sister Jena (David) Holmes, father-in-law Roger Bischoff, in-laws Debbie Rizzo and Valerie (Robert) Herman. Nieces and nephews who adored their fun-loving uncle include Jari Holmes, Cailyn (Skip) Turner, Kimberly Rizzo, Jeffrey (Amelia) Rizzo, Kevin Rizzo, Barrent Herman, and Kari Herman as well as great-niece Rylan Rizzo, great-nephews Gannon Rizzo-Ostermeier and Sullivan Turner. He was a cherished member of their lives and a source of guidance and laughter.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Rizzo and Charmaine Cushing Rizzo, brothers Donald Rizzo and John Rizzo, in-laws Kenneth and Carolyn Maug Enger.
A celebration of life will be held at the Town of Pleasant Valley Community Center in Cleghorn November 12, from 2:00-5:00. In lieu of flowers, donations to help cover unexpected medical expenses is appreciated.
Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.
Jim was born to Joe and Charm Rizzo and grew up with his siblings, Don, John and Jena in Citrus Heights, California. He had a fun childhood with his siblings and grandparents, picking and eating prickly pears from the backyard, fishing with Grandpa, making ice cream, and eating Grandma’s cioppino. The family moved to Eau Claire when Jim was in middle school. During high school, Jim worked on a farm, was President of FFA, and enjoyed snowmobiling, swimming, and fishing in Lowes Creek. He was a volunteer of the Town of Washington Fire Department and was always proud of his car, a 1972 copper-colored Mach 1 Ford Mustang.
After graduating from Eau Claire Memorial, he moved to Sacramento to devote his life to helping others as a firefighter and paramedic. In the 70s, he returned to Eau Claire and became a Constable for the Town of Washington and then worked in Law Enforcement until his early retirement. He continued his education at UW-Eau Claire for Computer Science, worked on computer hardware, and eventually owned his own computer company.
After he met Jackie Bischoff and her son Bjorn, they were married in early 1998. They later welcomed Kaija into the family. Every day was an adventure living with Jim. He was always learning new things, starting new enterprises such as selling fireworks, being an Uber/Lyft driver, and creating websites. Jim was very active in supporting his children’s school and outside activities.
Jim had an authentic Italian personality. He talked with his hands, was loud and funny, and loved a large steak and Italian bread. He will always be remembered for his abundant generosity, thoughtfulness, and sense of humor that brought light and laughter to those around him. His presence was a source of warmth, comfort, and joy to all who knew him.
Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Jackie, loving daughter, Kaija Rizzo, and son, Bjorn Bischoff. They were the pride and joy of his life. He also leaves his sister Jena (David) Holmes, father-in-law Roger Bischoff, in-laws Debbie Rizzo and Valerie (Robert) Herman. Nieces and nephews who adored their fun-loving uncle include Jari Holmes, Cailyn (Skip) Turner, Kimberly Rizzo, Jeffrey (Amelia) Rizzo, Kevin Rizzo, Barrent Herman, and Kari Herman as well as great-niece Rylan Rizzo, great-nephews Gannon Rizzo-Ostermeier and Sullivan Turner. He was a cherished member of their lives and a source of guidance and laughter.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Rizzo and Charmaine Cushing Rizzo, brothers Donald Rizzo and John Rizzo, in-laws Kenneth and Carolyn Maug Enger.
A celebration of life will be held at the Town of Pleasant Valley Community Center in Cleghorn November 12, from 2:00-5:00. In lieu of flowers, donations to help cover unexpected medical expenses is appreciated.
Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Rizzo, please visit our flower store.
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