James M. Cardosi

James “Jim” M. Cardosi, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, and devoted family man, passed away on August 16, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of 85.

Jim was born on January 9, 1941, in Kankakee, Illinois, to Alex and Alvina Cardosi. He was raised in Kankakee and remained a lifelong member of the community until relocating to Louisville in 2005.

Jim graduated from St. Patrick’s High School with the Class of 1959 and later attended St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa. A gifted athlete, he was a standout three-sport competitor during high school, earning All-State honors. His love of sports stayed with him throughout his life, and he later gave back by coaching and encouraging young athletes.

On March 19, 1960, Jim married the love of his life, Sandra Sue Bertrand, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bradley. Their marriage became the foundation of a remarkable life together. Over 66 years, Jim and Sandy built a family, raised five children, welcomed nine grandchildren and a great-grandchild, and shared a lifetime defined by devotion to one another and to the family they created.

Jim began his professional career working in the family business, Cardosi Oil Company, in Kankakee, where he spent much of his working life before retiring in the late 1990’s. Together, Jim and Sandy also owned Pinefield Plantation, a specialty retail store in Kankakee.

As much as Jim valued his work and community, nothing mattered more to him than his family. He was an extraordinarily proud father who could always be counted on to be there. If one of his children was playing in a game, participating in an event, or pursuing something important to them, Jim was there watching, supporting, encouraging, and cheering them on. His presence was one of the many ways he showed his love.

Retirement gave Jim even more time to enjoy the people and things he treasured most. He and Sandy shared their lives with their five children, nine grandchildren, and great-grandchild, creating memories that will remain with the family for generations.

Jim also had a tremendous love for animals. He and Sandy often dreamed of one day opening an animal rescue sanctuary, a reflection of the compassion and enormous heart he carried throughout his life. Even in his final chapter, his beloved kittens, Buffy and Dolly, held a special place in his heart.

Faith was another constant throughout Jim’s life. He and Sandy regularly attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Church while living in the Kankakee area and Margaret Mary Catholic Church after moving to Louisville. Jim was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Kankakee Oilmen’s Club, and the Elks Club.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Alvina Cardosi; his brothers, Alex and Paul Cardosi; and his sister, Marilyn Cook.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Sandra “Sandy” Cardosi, and their five children: daughter Julie (Cardosi) Rogers of Springfield, Illinois, and her husband, Dean; son Jim Cardosi of Dayton, Ohio; son Jeff Cardosi of Orland Park, Illinois, and his wife, Jessica; son Jay Cardosi of Louisville, Kentucky, and his wife, Laura; and daughter Jill (Cardosi) Jewell of Louisville, Kentucky, and her husband, Mike.

Jim was a loving and proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Rachael Cardosi; Nick Cardosi; Maddie Wantland and her husband, Adam; Sam Rogers; Ben Rogers; Lindsay Cardosi; Chris Cardosi; Alex Cardosi; and Nick Stancato. He was also blessed with his great-granddaughter, Lily Wantland.

He leaves behind his beloved kittens, along with countless memories carried by the family and friends whose lives he touched.

Jim had a huge heart. He loved deeply, gave generously of himself, and always put his family first. The things that mattered most to him were simple and enduring: his faith, his wife, his children and grandchildren, his friends, and the animals he loved.

He was enormously proud of the family he and Sandy built, but his family was equally proud to call him their husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa. His absence will be deeply felt, but the lessons he taught, the traditions he helped create, the memories he gave his family, and the love he showed them will remain. A life of 85 years cannot be measured simply by the years themselves, but by the people who were loved along the way. By that measure, Jim lived a very full life indeed. He will be loved, remembered, and missed forever.

A visitation and memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 10:00a.m. on Saturday, August 22, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, KY 40243.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to the Kentucky Humane Society.