Jim loved characters. Which is why you could find him reading the obituaries almost daily. People fascinated him almost as much as he cared about them. This was especially true of those whose lives intersected with his own. Now it's his turn to grace these pages, and we'll all wonder if he himself knew what a character he was.
Jim Eugene Severi, loving father of two sons and two grandsons, passed away October 28th, 2021 in his home at age 75. Both of his sons were at his side. Jim was born on May 16, 1946 in Highland Park, Illinois to Italian immigrants, Dino and Delvia Severi. The younger of two children, his older sister Elda Canevari who he adored, preceded him in death.
Italian was the primary language until he started school at age 5. His first day of school the teachers put a sticker of a bluebird on his shirt so he knew they were talking to him. An odd thing to do since he wasn't deaf. He just didn't speak the language. It was a minor humiliation but his parents would insist on only speaking English at home. It became a nightly exercise for them all.
Despite their best efforts, Jim retained many of the Italian terms they would rather he hadn't. As family and close friends could tell you, moments of frustration gave him an abrupt fluency. Anyone within earshot would get an impromptu course in Italian exclamation.
The family moved to California when Jim was 3. Stockton became his lifelong home. Not long after graduating from Franklin high school, Jim met the love of his life, Barbara. They wed in 1968 and stayed together until her unfortunate passing in 2003. He never remarried.
Jim was a longtime employee of Stockton Fibreboard until the early 80s. He and a friend launched a successful yard service which ran the better part of a decade. As the 1980s came to a close Jim mowed one too many lawns and sought out more meaningful employment.
That was the start of what would become the predominant career of his life. Working for the US Postal Service. Jim started as a mail carrier at the Stockton Main Street station. Taking the postal creed a bit too serious, he became relentless in his dedication. Almost unfathomable, not once in over 30 years would he miss a single day of work. It was even made official with a framed certificate.
Loved by his coworkers, his rise to management was swift. Then in 2009 Jim was sworn in as the Postmaster General of Woodbridge, California. This was one of his proudest achievements. Those who worked with and for him will tell you that he treated them like family. From this he would form many dynamic and long-lasting relationships in his life.
Passionate, observant and clever with wordplay, Jim loved a good story. His everyday experiences often became riveting and hilarious anecdotes from his many encounters. Jim appreciated the unique and unexpected part of people and situations. He would go out of his way to seek out unusual characters or places and share those experiences with others.
More than anything, Jim loved spinning those stories for his wide circle of friends. He loved hearing them laugh or come back with stories of their own. His sharp wit made Jim a voracious critic of all things. He wanted to see the best from people, and leave an impression if he could.
Jim also had an insatiable appetite. Not only for food but for all life had to offer. Whether it was live music in tiny shacks off the beaten track or finding food at a new local restaurant. His search for the fantastic was constant. And if you were lucky enough to be with him, you were always his guest.
Jim was a loving husband, proud dad and grandpa, caring brother, and loyal friend. He wasn’t afraid to be himself or let you know how much he cared. You couldn't ask for a finer legacy.
Jim is survived by his two sons Greg (Angela) and Chad, and his two grandsons Dino and Enzo Severi.
Memorial services will be private.
Instead of flowers, please consider telling a story about Jim to a friend or even a complete stranger. You could get a laugh or story of your own.
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