On Thursday evening, May 12, 2016, at 7 p.m., Jim was reborn while surrounded by the family he so loved. “Dad is everywhere,” our daughters stated, leading me outside. Cool breeze greeted my warm tear-streaked face. Wind whipping felt his fingers running through my hair. A circular opening emanating light through cloud cover — a rainbow.

He slipped through the clouds and left us a rainbow.

On Nov. 25, 1951, Ernestina and Ivano’s “little turkey” was born. Little Jimmy shared the joy of childhood with his big brother Ivan, in a true Italian family in Roseville, Calif. Many of his young days were spent with grandparents Nonno and Nonni. Their home was a place of stories to be told about mischievous youth and times gone by, with lessons to be learned.

Jimmy attended Saint Rose School under the guidance of Sister Mary Benedicta. During those elementary years, he developed a love of baseball. Taking swings that sent balls flying and snagging one-hoppers in the web of his glove. The smell of leather as he slept with his glove tucked beside his pillow. He became a Little League All Star for four consecutive years.

Jim attended Oakmont High School, where he played football, basketball and baseball. He lettered in all three and earned most valuable player in baseball his senior year. Jim, along with his high school sweetheart, Ann, were voted homecoming king and queen. He graduated from high school in 1969.

At Sierra Junior College, Jim earned his associates of arts degree. He played football and basketball and was voted to the All League baseball team for the Golden Valley Conference.

Sacramento State became home for the next two years, where he majored in environmental resources and played first-string center for legendary football coach Ray Clemmons. Proudly, Jim accepted his teammates’ vote for team captain and was selected All League for the Northern California Athletic Conference. During this time, Jim developed a love for the game of rugby, first playing for the River Rats, where a comradery of friends was to last a lifetime.

From 1975-1977, Jim taught at Palma High School in Salinas, Calif. His love of physical education and coaching prompted a decision — returning to Sacramento State University, where he earned a second degree in physical education.

On Feb. 14, 1978, Jim began his teaching credential program at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, Calif. Through a shared class, curriculum and instruction, Jim and Pam met for the first time. For the next two years, he coached football and baseball at San Ramon High School in Pam’s hometown of Danville, Calif. During this time, they fell in love. Jim played rugby for the notorious “BATS” — Bay Area Touring Side. In September 1978, the BATS launched a European rugby tour, competing in Italy, Russia, England and Wales.

On Nov. 3, 1979, Jim and Pam’s wedding took place in the St. Mary’s College Chapel. For the next five years, they taught at Roseville High School, where Jim coached varsity baseball and football. As head baseball coach, Jim led his team to the playoffs each year, winning back-to-back Sierra Foothill League championships in 1982 and 1983.

On Valentine’s Day 1984, shortly after moving to Sandpoint, Idaho, Jim and Pam opened Ivano’s Ristorante Italiano on the corner of Second and Lake. In 2001, they moved the restaurant to its current location on First and Pine.

Jim’s first and always loves were Pam, and his daughters Jessica and Katie.

Jim is a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He was active in supporting the Sandpoint community and numerous charities, some of which include Angels Over Sandpoint, Kinderhaven, Pend Oreille Arts Council, and The Festival at Sandpoint. He enjoyed hunting, fly fishing, water skiing, snow skiing, cooking, reading and writing. His greatest joy was communing round the dining table with his family.

The legacy Jim imparted was one of truth, honor and hard work — a man dedicated to the love of family.

The dinner table has always been a fundamental element of Italian culture. It is where traditions are passed along, stories are told and life is shared, offering an opportunity for family to strengthen the bonds that hold these relationships true.

We must always remember — never forget.

—Ricordi sempre~

Jim is survived by his wife, Pam Lippi of Sandpoint; two daughters, Jessica (Adam) Tajan of Sandpoint and Katie (Vito) Higgins of Spokane; granddaughter Nina Adele Tajan; brother Ivan (Nancy) Lippi of New Zealand; niece Megan (Warren) Lippi-Smith of New Zealand; and two great-nephews, Tanner and Tevyn; the Gardetto and Della Santina (Godmother Shirley) families of California; Bob and Peggy Barsotti of Sandpoint.

Memorial donations may be made to the Jim Lippi Family Scholarship Fund, via The Angels Over Sandpoint, with checks made to: Angels Over Sandpoint, Attention: Jim Lippi Family Scholarship Fund, at P.O. Box 2369, Sandpoint, Idaho, 83864.

Rosary vigil will be held Sunday, May 22, at 7 p.m., at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, followed by sharing of memories.

Memorial Mass on Monday May 23, at 4 p.m., Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, with Farther Dennis C. Day officiating, followed by a gathering at Ivano’s Ristorante Italiano.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Jim’s online memorial at: www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.