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James Parisi

01/27/1956 - 07/30/2023

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Obituary For James Parisi

James (Jim) Parisi, 67, of Providence, RI and Tucson AZ, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023 surrounded by family and his beloved dog Cooper, after nearly 6 years of courageously battling cancer.

Born in Providence, Jim was the son of Santino M. Parisi, Sr. and Elizabeth (Varone) Parisi. They, and his stepmother, Lorraine (Paolilli) Parisi of Providence, predeceased him. Jim is survived by his two beloved children and his former wife of more than 25 years, all of Tucson, AZ: Valerie Cavazos, ex-wife, James Parisi, son, and daughter Samantha Parisi, who was named after Jim's elder brother Santino M. Parisi Jr., who predeceased Jim in the year 2000.

Jim is also survived by his two younger brothers, Joseph Parisi of Marion, MA and his wife Rosemary (Kinder) Parisi, and John Parisi of Johnston RI and his wife Genoveffa (Gianfrancesco) Parisi.

Jim had a long and distinguished career as a journalist and talk host. Beginning in his late 20s, he worked in radio news, including WPRO in the greater Providence area. Jim then transitioned to television news, first as a reporter, then also as anchor or news director in various markets, including television stations in Connecticut, West Virginia, New Hampshire, Indiana and New York. In the run-up to the 1992 presidential election, Jim personally interviewed President George H.W. Bush, and questioned many other candidates, including Bill Clinton and Paul Tsongas.

His post-television career included stints at TheBlaze and iHeart Media and his own enterprise, Powertalk, an internet broadcasting network. During this period Jim interviewed additional political figures such as John McCain and Gabby Giffords, and dozens of celebrities from Henry Winkler to Hector Macho Camacho to Donald Trump before the latter sought elected office. Jim was widely regarded as a fair and pleasant interviewer who made his guests comfortable enough to reveal their personal side, a trait Jim's fans loved about him.

From riding in a F-16 to having a speaking part in a Nick Nolte/Debra Winger film, to being the bassist in a rock band and playing basketball and wiffleball with his brothers and friends, Jim's adventures are too numerous to list. All who knew Jim will miss his charm, his dry sense of humor and his gentle, warm heart.

Arrangements are with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd. Warren, RI. A private family service will be held at a later date.

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Condolences

  • 01/26/2024

    Richard S. White, Jr.

    I only just learned of Jim's passing today. I am saddened beyond words. I knew Jim for many years in Tucson, when I was the Director of The International Wildlife Museum. Jim was a huge supporter of the Museum, and we advertised and supported his Power Talk Radio venture. Jim was smart, honest and ethical. I enjoyed talking to him. My deepest condolences to Jhis family. Damn, I sure loved that guy!

  • 09/22/2023

    Chris Walsh

    He was the funniest guys I know. I went out to dinner with him in the Spring and he had so much life and funny wit in him. I can't believe he's gone. I will miss him but always remember the fun we had together. - Chris Walsh

  • 08/28/2023

    David

    Now you know all the mysteries we would talk about. Rest in peace dear friend. David Iadevaia, Tucson

  • 08/28/2023

    Valerie Iadevaia Rezendes

    Dear Jim, I can't believe that after all the times we spoke and that we got to visit in RI in Nov 22 when I got back to RI, that would be the last time I would meet up for a good Italian dinner with you. It was a joy to speak of the old days, about school, teachers and all our school friends, and all the way up to the present !! I am so glad that you were one of the people I needed to see. We laughed and talked like there were no years in between from the last time I saw you. (Even though it was like 50 years face to face) I am so sorry !!! To your family, I am deeply sorry for your loss of Jimmy. He was one hell of a guy!! He will be sorely missed !!! 💔 Rest in Peace my friend, May you soar with the Angels forever ! 🙏. Keep an eye on us, will ya!! My last Guardian Angel quit!

  • 08/22/2023

    Bill Bogle

    I worked with Jim at WERI in Westerly, R.I. back in 1980 and 1981. He had a magnetic personality and a fantastic sense of humor, and we became good friends. My condolences to the Parisi family.

  • 08/10/2023

    Alan Michaels

    Also being from R. I. Both Jim and I worked under the same radio ownership in Tucson AZ. He was hosting his talk show while I was across the hall doing my Morning Oldies program. We often would talk of our home state and what we missed about Rhode Island. Jim may you rest with Our Lord. Jim was a really good person.

  • 08/07/2023

    MARGE VARONE

    Jimmy went to the worlds fair with our family in 1964. He never forgot it, we talked about it on messenger. Jimmy also had many questions about Betty, his Mother. Too bad I couldn't celebrate him. With Love....Auntie

  • 08/04/2023

    Dave Parisi

    Jim and I communicated often by email over the past 10 years, talking about family, movies, photography, politicians, website design, radio podcasts, and more. Loved hearing his deep voice on his radio podcasts, especially when he reminisced about family and growing up in RI. We were so happy to see and talk with him a couple of times this past year, and to meet his daughter, Samantha. He will be deeply missed. --- Cousin Dave

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