James John Cosentino

December 27, 1942 – May 25, 2021

James Cosentino of Fresno, California left this earthly realm for his own piece of paradise on May 25,

2021 at the age of 78. His generosity will live on with those who were the recipients.

James was born on December 27, 1942 in Mount Shasta, California to Joe V. Cosentino and Mary

Catalano. Jim's brother, Joe, followed a couple of years later in November of 1944. The family moved

from Mount Shasta and settled in Fresno, California where Jimmy and Joe would get into mischief on

their family's ranch. Depending on your relationship, you would know him either as James, Jim,

Jimmy, Jimmy John, Dad, Nonno, or Zio.

Jim married the love of his life, Angelina Calzone(AKA Angie, Gina, Mom, Nonni, Zia)in 1967. He not

only won her heart, but the hearts of her parents Carmine and Mary Calzone, and not to mention Gina's

older sister Madeline Tosto. Jim and Gina shared more than 53 years of marriage. During that time they

had two handsome sons(at least that's how their mother describes them). Vince Cosentino was born in

1972, followed by his brother Mark Cosentino in 1975.

As the boys grew Jim would volunteer to be an assistant coach for their baseball or soccer teams. He

would also take them out to practice drills on his own. This all after putting in a full day's work that

would at times have him up at the crack of dawn. Jim was a tireless supporter of his sons' endeavors.

He could be heard, loud and clear, cheering at Vince's gigs or Mark's adult league baseball games. Jim

would later be Vince's muse in many film projects. He was always prepared, punctual, and ready for

action.

Between the two boys they spawned what would be some of Jim's greatest joys, grandsons. Jim loved

being a Nonno to Luciano, Giovanni, Jimmy, and Marco Cosentino, along with Vincent Carpenter,

Gabriel Griffith, and Tommy Griffith. Jim would do his best to spend at least one day a week with the

boys. That could have meant picking them up from school, taking them to the fish hatchery, or letting

them take turns picking out a place for dinner.

Nonno planted the seed in his grandsons' heads that they should try to be financially responsible by

saving 60% and spending 40% on themselves. He had his own share of successes and failures when he

decided to make investments in the stock market. His advice was, “Don't gamble what you can't afford

to lose.” He enjoyed his time in front of the computer with his notepad doing the research, taking notes,

and tracking results.

Jim was an electrician by trade, and a proud member of the IBEW Local 100 for more than 50 years.

He was more than just a tradesman though. He was a mentor. Many a young journeyman or apprentice

learned to master their craft under his tutelage. It wasn't necessarily part of his job. Offering guidance

and a helping hand came naturally to Jim. It wouldn't be a surprise to find him helping out a friend with

an electrical issue at their home or business and never think to charge them for his time. If it made

someone's life just a little easier, he was there to help.

A fan of pop music from nearly every decade, it wouldn't be a surprise to hear him whistling a tune

from The Platters to Pink, while working in his garden, barbecuing, and just strolling around the house.

He was a big San Francisco Giants fan, and loved attending Fresno Giants and Grizzlies games. This

gave him the opportunity to see the rising stars come up through the ranks in person. If he wasn't

keeping himself occupied outdoors, he was at the theater or on the couch with Gina or friends watching

movies. He enjoyed all genres, but schlocky B-movies were a not-so-guilty pleasure.

Over the last decade or so, Jim dealt with some health issues. He did what needed to be done and made

the necessary adjustments to his diet and lifestyle. These health concerns were mere nuisances, he had

family dinners, picnics, and trips to plan. Unfortunately, an infection followed by pneumonia in

conjunction with his previous kidney failure was too much for Jim to battle. The staff at St. Agnes

Hospital did their best to make him and his family comfortable as his body did not respond to

treatment.

Join us to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Jim Cosentino: beloved son, brother, husband,

father, Zio, Nonno, cousin, and friend. Services will be held June 22, 2021 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 355 East Champlain Drive, Fresno, CA 93730. A Recitation of the Rosary at 9:30 a.m. will be followed by a Mass at 10:00 a.m.

Covid-19 Restrictions are in place. Masks and Social Distancing are required. Though the family would

love to accept the hugs and handshakes, it is requested that you save them for a later date. Thank you

for your love and respect.