James Joseph Paradiso

James ”Pop Pop” Joseph Paradiso of Hales Corners, Wisconsin was born to eternal life on January 12th, 2026. Known as Jim, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, and he will be deeply missed.

Born on January 6th, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jim graduated from Greendale High School, where he played baseball. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in Beaufort, SC, where he worked as an aircraft electrician.

Married to Leonora "Nori" Paradiso in 1968, he had three beautiful children: Michael, Ryan and Nicole (aka the princess of Logan Avenue). Jim worked as an insurance broker and investment advisor. He loved the game of golf, refusing to upgrade his golf clubs over the years, as he continued to walk the fairways with his original set of blades and Persimmon woods. He enjoyed woodworking, cabinet making, and restoring vintage furniture pieces, using his beloved Shopsmith. The constant hum of the woodworking machine echoed throughout the house each weekend.

He was an avid fisherman on Lake Michigan and always enjoyed a good beer, cigars, and watching the Green Bay Packers. He restored and proudly drove a classic 1940 Ford Tractor, he enjoyed cooking and smoking meats, and making “melt down” chicken, a family favorite dish.

His favorite time of the year was fall duck hunting on the Mississippi River, followed by goose hunting on Horicon Marsh with sons Mike and Ryan. In his later years, he pursued his love of sport shooting with rounds of trap, skeet and sporting clays at the Boxhorn Gun Club and the Conservation Club of Kenosha County. He developed impressive shooting skills, sporting numerous perfect rounds, "25 straight patches", over the years. One of his favorite things was to mentor his grandkids in the art of shooting trap, which became an annual summer ritual. These were moments he cherished.

Jim is survived by his wife Nori, Michael (Julie) Paradiso of Falls Church, VA, his son Ryan (Erin) Paradiso of Kenosha and Nicole Paradiso of Milwaukee; ten wonderful grandchildren Enzo Paradiso, Bella Paradiso, Delia Paradiso, Lenea Paradiso, Ava Paradiso, Bree Paradiso, Cruz Paradiso, Meara Paradiso, Franco Peressini and Salvatore Peressini; Sisters Mary Paradiso, Ann (John) Mack, Christine (Leo) Tiahnybik and Joan Paradiso; nieces and nephews Jack (Marielle) Tiahnybik, Samuel (Brielle) Tiahnybik, Benjamin Tiahnybik, Sophie Tiahnybik, Nicholas Tiahnybik, Anthony (Michelle) Mack and Harrison Mack and Joseph Mack. Preceded in death by his brother Thomas Paradiso, mother Grace Paradiso and father Nicholas Paradiso.

Private services for the family will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Flowers may be sent to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 9520 W. Forest Home Avenue, Hales Corners, WI 53130. Flower deliveries accepted starting at 9am.

A celebration of life will be held in early summer, details to be announced by February 1st, 2026.