James(Jim) Piccirilli "Pitch," 77, of Highland, IN (Formerly of Calumet City, IL) went home to be with the Lord Saturday, September 7, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Clara Piccirilli(nee DiCarlo), Son Andrew(Amber) of Wheatfield,IN, and Sister Kathryn "Kay" (Late Richard) Gauthier of Valparaiso, IN. He was preceded in death by Sister Baby Girl Piccirilli, Father Orleen Piccirilli, Mother Kathryn "Kay" Piccirilli(nee McCloskey), and brother-in-law Richard "Rick" Gauthier.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday September 14, 2024 at the Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Road, Lansing, Illinois from 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM with a funeral service starting at 6:30 PM officiated by Pastor James Clark. Cremation will follow.

Jim was born February 15, 1947 in Hammond, Indiana to Orleen and Kathryn(McCloskey) Piccirilli. Jim grew up in Calumet City, IL, and was a 1965 graduate of Thornton Fractional North High School, where he excelled at many sports including wrestling and cross country. Growing up, he enjoyed many annual family vacations to St. Germain, WI, where he enjoyed fishing and water skiing. In 1968, he joined the Army Reserves, where he served as a Parachuter. Jim was always a thrill seeker, racing go-karts, formula cars, and midgets from the mid 1960s through the early 1980s. On May 16, 1981, he married the love of his life Clara DiCarlo in Warren, OH. Their only son, Andrew, was born in 1986.

Jim always enjoyed spending time with his family. He and his son, Andrew, shared a special lifelong bond and friendship. Together, they enjoyed such activities as trips to Buffalo Lake in Wisconsin, fishing, boating, hunting, target shooting, and attending numerous sporting events including Chicago Blackhawks and Wolves hockey games, as well as Wisconsin and Notre Dame football games. He was an employee of Metra Railroad for 34 years. Jim was a very selfless, caring, and generous individual, always putting the needs of his family and others before his own.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's name to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Jude Children's Research Hospitals. www.schroederlauer.com