James A. Vitale

Jim “Sonny” Vitale, 83, of Manteno, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026, at his home. He was born October 24, 1942, in Joliet the son of James F. and Nona (Olsen) Vitale. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran and then a claims adjuster for State Farm for many years. On March 21, 1981, he married Sharon F. Terpstra in Harvey, Illinois. He claimed to be a simple person, but he definitely was not simple, he was the best. The best father, the best husband, best grandpa, the best he could be in just about anything. He loved to fish, hunt, and play golf. He also loved his music, westerns, and Hallmark movies. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan. Jim enjoyed woodworking, in which he was very talented. Jim was the best at giving advice, loving those who he cared deeply about, being a good neighbor, friend, and he was so creative. He loved well...he loved his wife, children, grandchildren, bonus kids, son-in-law, and daughters-in-law. He is survived by his wife, Sharon F. Vitale of Manteno; children, Jack (Laura) DeVine of Lowell, Shelby DeVine of Manteno, Vicki (Bob) Morse of St. Anne, Jamey Vitale of Manteno, and Chris (Stacy) Vitale of Minnetonka, MN; brother, Bill Vitale of Homewood; 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Jim is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles Vitale. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 3pm to 6pm at Jensen Funeral Home, Kankakee. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to River Valley Animal Rescue, Momence.