James Ilardi

On January 6, 2024, James Angelo Ilardi, born in Brooklyn NY, left this world to join his beloved wife and childhood sweetheart, Anita and his daughter, Terri Anne in heaven. He died peacefully in his sleep at his son’s house in Chesapeake Virginia surrounded by some of his children and grandchildren. Jim is survived by his children; Jimmy and his wife, Debbie; Ardie and his wife, Elena; Joey and his husband, Bruce; Natalie and her husband, Brian; Maria and her spouse, Lisa; and Gary, Terri’s husband. As well as fifteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. He leaves a legacy of Love and peace to all. Always a kind and loving man, Jim was devoted to his wife of 67 years and his children and grandchildren. He showed his love for them each day with grace and a sharp sense of humor.

Jim spent the last five years in North Carolina and Virginia where he wowed local audiences with his musical prowess and touched them with his humor and kindness. He also got the rare opportunity to know his youngest grandchildren. Jim was an elementary school music teacher and professional musician. He taught numerous children and family members to play the piano and was an extraordinary piano player himself. Once, while playing piano at a cocktail party, a neurosurgeon at the party was in awe of Jim being able to play the piano and carry on a conversation with someone at the same time and not miss a note. He asked Jim if he knew how difficult and impressive it was to do that?

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook, NY, https://www.thejazzloft.org/friends-circle or Jazz Forum Arts in Tarrytown, NY, https://jazzforumarts.org/donate/ would be greatly appreciated. Jim was a life-long lover of jazz. We dare say it was his second love. As a jazz musician and music educator he loved seeing young people appreciate jazz. Both these venues are 501© 3 not-for-profit arts presenting organizations and have education programs and sponsor free concerts open to the public.