James William Defilippi, 53, fifth-generation native Nevadan, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, Dec. 26. He was born on March 7, 1959 to Carl D. and Margaret Anne Defilippi in Reno, Nev. He grew up in Fallon and graduated from Churchill County High School in 1977. Jim settled in Reno after graduating from the University of Nevada with a degree in Fine Arts. Soon after his graduation, he was employed by Kappes Cassiday & Associates where he was working as Laboratory Supervisor at the time of his death.Jimmy was predeceased by his father, Carl. He is survived by his mother, Margaret Anne Defilippi of Fallon; brothers, Carl E. (Terri) Defilippi of Reno, and Dale (Ruth) Defilippi of Carson City; sister, Theresa (Ed) Phillips of Sitka, Alaska and also by his close friend and companion, Lisa Mortara, and by a large extended family and many friends. Jimmy loved to travel and had seen much of the world both for his work, setting up heap leach operations at gold mines all over the globe, and on many personal trips around the United States and to Europe. He seldom said no to an adventure and his presence made every adventure more fun. Jimmy was the kindest and gentlest of men: an artist, sensitive and generous, he had a calming influence wherever he went. He was the “go-to” guy for any endeavor from home repair projects to fishing trips and came to the rescue of anyone who called on him at times of crisis, great and small. Jimmy was a quiet, steady hub around which his large and loving family circled: everyone’s favorite son and brother, uncle and nephew, cousin and friend. Services will be held in the Chapel at Ross Burke and Knobel Mortuary, 2155 Kietzke Lane, Reno, with viewing on Monday, Dec. 31, 3 to 6 p.m. and funeral services on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 11 a.m. There will be a reception immediately following the funeral.Jimmy’s family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to VSA Nevada, (vsanevada.org.)
