Sign Guestbook

Monday Jan 21, 2019

Rest peacefully, Jim. You & Marco better behave up there!! My sincere condolences to my dear friend's family.

Mrs. Terry Marcolivio - (North Providence, RI)

---

Monday Jan 21, 2019

We are so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We have shared many happy events with Jim and friends in common. History dates back 50 years, with lots of smiles/laughs.
With sincere sympathy.
He will be missed.

Gail and Terry Farrell - (West Kingston)

---

Tuesday Jan 22, 2019

Your neighbors from Arnold Ave dwelling 1st floor send peaceful transitions for all.
David Bowie lives on !

The Greenberg’s - (Warwick, RI)

---

Tuesday Jan 22, 2019

“Newman” my neighbor and friend. I’m shocked to learn you’ve transcended. May you be at peace. My deepest condolences to your family and friends.

Terace Greene Hadfield - (Warwick, RI)

---

Tuesday Jan 22, 2019

Please forgive the long entry – there's a lot to say about James! When I met him in 1985 he was Jimmy. After that he was “Faz”. Lately he had preferred to be called James. So James it is. He was a music lover and he knew musicians. He inspired me and others to appreciate Bowie and Rundgren. James was a fan of the Providence rock and roll scene in the 1980s – he hung around with musicians! I met him when I hired a production company, Tin Can Alley, to help me with a video project at my corporate media gig. James was a regular freelancer for TCA. When I went freelance in 1986 I picked up work there too. James had the keys and I can now admit that on a few occasions we snuck the video gear out of TCA to shoot for a pro bono musical cause! For about 20 more years, James was on my crew handling lighting and grip, and mostly, providing laughs. Oh, did we laugh! James was a loyal and diligent worker. He carved out a long career in film and television production – always in demand, always working. At first he was a jack-of-all-trades for a number of production companies, including Eastfilms in Providence, the company Mark Van Veen started and I joined. James worked for just about everybody in production in RI in those days. He had a background in house painting and that led him into the set construction specialty which has been his main gig for about the last 20 years. He worked on dozens of features, commercials and TV shows as part of the set crew. But back to the laughs. James was great fun to be around and he lived enthusiastically! He took pleasure in everything. He had an amazing memory! James was a great buddy because he was game to try anything. For a number of years he attended King Richard’s Faire – in costume. He trekked up to Montreal for the Jazz Festival. James most definitely had other enthusiasms that I am not even aware of. After about 2005 I didn’t see him as often as the old days. His laugh and his smile are etched in my mind. Oh, he could complain – James was sweet and sour. But he never took things too seriously which is what won me over when I met him, and it’s what I will always remember about him. Lately he had pursued a keen interest in gourmet food and wine. Now THAT is something he took seriously and he had become quite a fine food expert. It makes sense. He always had a refined taste in music, too. I will miss him dearly. We all will. To his family, I extend my sincere sympathies.

Geoff Adams - (Newton, MA)

---

Tuesday Jan 22, 2019

I met Jim when I lived in Cranston on Bay View Ave. He was still in high school. I met him through his older brother John. We formed a connection through our love of music from that era. He introduced me to such artists as Graham Parker, Elvis Costello, and other great English rockers of the late 1970's.My wife and myself spent many a night playing marathon games of Scrabble and listening to music and sharing some brews with Jim and some of his friends of that era. I still remember his bright orange Datsun 240-Z, he loved that car. As noted by those who signed this guestbook he had a wicked sense of humor. We lost touch with each other when I moved to Warwick. I am sorry I was not able to reconnect with him although I tried a couple of times. My oldest son still remembers him and his love of music comes from Jim's influence.
My condolences to his family and close friends. Rest in peace

Jim and Jane Rooney - (Warwick , RI)

---

Tuesday Jan 22, 2019

I met James many years ago at Chris Gasbarros wine tastings. He had a love of fine wines and shared his knowledge with me. He will be missed. My condolences to the family.

Mary ann Coletti - (Cranston. R.I.)

---

Tuesday Jan 22, 2019

I met Faz in the mid 80's when he and I worked on Geoff Adam's film and video productions. I remember mostly laughing all the time on the set. (Well, he'd actually be getting the job done but I was mostly laughing at his jokes!) His love of music and that of the local Providence music scene in particular was inspiring. He turned this staunch Bowie hater into a convert one day when he bought tickets (and a ride in a stretch limousine with his girlfriend Joanne) to see Bowie play at Sullivan Stadium. When I actually met Bowie years later (my band was an opener for him) I got to tell him this story. Ever the gentleman, Bowie politely listened, and it made me appreciate Faz' diligence in trying to get me to see the light all those years ago. I'd lost touch with James over the years but did run into him as he was working on the Moonrise Kingdom production a few years ago and he gave me a tour of the shop which was super cool. Just a few weeks ago I connected with him and peppered him with questions about how my nephew could get into the film and television art department world. He was so very helpful and between our usual jokes he gave me all the information, advice and insight he would need to take the next steps. He told me TV and film production is many long days with crazy deadlines but the benefits were many, especially if my nephew could join the union. In fact, he met my nephew at the NOS4A2 shop a few weeks ago. He was so full of life and laughs and I am stunned (as all are) that he is gone. I am so very sorry and wish to express my deepest condolences to the LaFazia family and to all who loved him.

Gail Greenwood - (Middletown, RI)

---

Tuesday Jan 22, 2019

So sorry to hear of Jimmys passing. Always had a smile on his face! R.I.P.

Sean Lanigan - (Cranston, ri)

---

Tuesday Jan 22, 2019

I met Jim 50 years ago when I was 10 years old and he was one of my favorite people. I no longer live in Rhode Island, but I stopped by to see Jim when I was there to visit my family. It was always fun.
We grew up in Edgewood and some of my favorite memories were discovering music with him as a teenager. We listened to music whenever we were together throughout our whole lives. He had strong opinions about music (and everything else) and it was a pleasure to hear him state his case and then play an album to back it up. And of course, his range of musical interest was staggering – everything from Bowie (always Bowie) to Beethoven.
A wonderful milestone for both of us was seeing Led Zeppelin at the Civic Center with him way back in 1973. That memory is particularly sweet because just a few months ago he summoned me to his house for a surprise music session. When I got there, he could barely contain his enthusiasm – he had obtained a CD with a recording of the show we had attended! We had a blast spending the evening listening and remembering. I am so glad to have those memories.
As recently as last Sunday, we were talking about who’s music we would we would take to a desert island if we could choose only one. His answer surprised me since I was sure it was going to be David Bowie. Nope, it was Ella Fitzgerald. And true to form, he put a CD on and made a great case for taking Ella.
As many others have pointed out, his interests went well beyond music and I always loved hearing about them. What I loved most about him was his passion for whatever he was into – movies, books, politics, travel, food… It was always something different and it was always fun to hear about it, usually with Robert Plant in the background.
Recently he took me to a favorite Japanese restaurant of his in Cranston and I had the audacity to pick up the menu to see what I might have. Jim would have none of that. He simply took the menu from my hands and told me that he would do the ordering. He did and it was great.
Jim, I am so sorry you are gone but I will always remember you and smile when I do so.

Michael Rekrut - (South Carolina)

---

Tuesday Jan 22, 2019

We will miss you Jim as a friend, always ready to lend an ear and a hand, to share a good time and a good meal as the hedonist that you were proud to be, and also as a kind, gentle man: Uncle Jim to Angel, Enzo and Nico.

Anthony and Catherine Milone - (Warwick RI)

---

Tuesday Jan 22, 2019

"My my, hey hey
Rock and roll is here to stay
It's better to burn out
Than to fade away
My my, hey hey."

I met Jimmy, James, Fazzie, Faz when I was about six years old. For the rest of our lives we were like brothers. We laughed, played, fought and cared for each other. Each of us always forgiving the others imperfections as humans. We shared a lot of firsts together and memories cemented in those experiences. We shared a mutual love of music. When we were kids we would argue about who was the "better Beatle" John or Paul. To those of you who knew him well, I'm sure that you're not surprised that he preferred John.
During our teen years we would take the bus into Providence and spend Saturdays - Down City. Going to record shops, head shops, The Outlet, trying to meet girls and then finding a place to get food. Music, indulging ourselves and our shared disdain for authority were a major part of our lifelong personal bond.
I was grateful to have him as a friend and confidant. He enjoyed the Good Life and wherever he's gone to I hope it's in first class, high style.

The king is gone
but he's not forgotten
This is the story
of Jimmy, James, Fazzie, Faz
It's better to burn out
than it is to rust
The king is gone
but he's not forgotten.


Love yeah Man.....

Mark Jones - (Warwick, RI)

---

Tuesday Jan 22, 2019

I met Jim when I was the Parks & Recreation Director in North Smithfield and he came on many of my Montreal Trips to see the Montreal Canadiens Play also to my Sports Card Shop at the Rhode Island Sports Center, Jim you were a Great Guy, My sincere condolences to Jim's family

Joe Kozlik - (North Smithfield, R.I.)

---

Wednesday Jan 23, 2019

R. I. P.

Bill Carmody - (Allentown, Pa)

---

Wednesday Jan 23, 2019

I first met Jimmy at Norwood Avenue Elementary School and stayed friends till High School. Remember hours of playing Street Hockey and listening to new Rock & Roll records. Lost connect with Jimmy after High School but did miss him.
RIP

Bob Hallberg - (Glocester,RI)

---

Wednesday Jan 23, 2019

How do you say farewell to such a unique and Special person. I have known James for a short period of time. We both worked doing films. He was Witty, Intelligent, Funny, Caring and Compassionate. He taught me so much about wine,fine food and the people we worked with. He may have joked about them, but he cared very much all the Crew he work with. The conversations we had in the cab of the truck I drove were special. I truly will miss him and the conversations. I am Honored to have called him my FRIEND. Sincerely John “Harold” V.

John Vincent - (Providence)

---

Wednesday Jan 23, 2019

I first met Faz in the mid 80’s when we both worked on the film “Complex World”. I had just moved to Providence and was immediately intrigued and amused by this boisterous “character” who was all over the set. By his accent, at first I thought he was an actor trying out for a mob part or somethin’, but soon found out he was just an energetic and enthusiastic guy from “Craaannstin” who worked in the sound department. Shared interests and sense of humor made us great friends fast and, even though I moved to Los Angeles a few years later, we always kept in touch with marathon calls of verbal abuse and he was always one of my first stops whenever I made it back home to Mass. Even though I eventually moved back East in 2000 and spent hundreds of days hangin’ out with him, swillin’ beers and swappin’ stories (and lots more of that verbal abuse), one day in particular will always bring a big smile to my face whenever I think about it. I was in Los Angeles at the time and knew my buddy Jimmy back in Providence was going through a particularly long and slow work period. Somehow I convinced my corporate boss that I needed to hire this “amazing” video crew from back East to accompany us on a two week European photo shoot. Very long story-sorta’ short, Faz got his first trip to Europe and was ecstatic the entire time. Not only was he making a good paycheck, in essence, he was getting paid to travel the English countryside, stop in a dozen pubs from London to Wales and entertain all the locals along the way. (That’s because I never used any of the video we shot while there, ‘cause I never really needed it in the first place). While our group of five guys drove all over hell and back for a dozen days in a minivan, Jimmy was, of course, in charge of the radio. Needless to say, there was a Bowie song or ..uh...137 played along the way.
On our final day of the trip, (as if by divine intervention), I was checking us out in the empty hotel lobby, when I glanced at the man next to me and realized that he looked very familiar. I walked back to where Jimmy was standing and said...”I think you might know that guy over there”. When he looked over and saw that it was David Bowie himself, I thought he was gonna’ pass out. (And for a VERY brief moment in his illustrious life, the man was...silent.) He must have crossed that lobby in a nanosecond and when I looked up he was vigorously shaking his idol’s hand and drowning him in praise. It almost seemed like he floated back across the floor to where I was standing, and with the most contented smile on his face said, “Millah’, I just met Bowie, so if I die tomorrow, I’ll die a happy man” !

I truly hope you’re happy, my friend, and that somewhere you and your idol are sitting around a big piano, drinkin’ martinis and slurpin’ oysters while he plays you your favorite tunes. Just make sure ya’ save us all a seat for when our time comes...

Cheers

Robinson Miller - (Boylston, MA)

---

Wednesday Jan 23, 2019

Part two
My condolences to James family, and all friends and people who have been touched by James. Sincerely John “Harold” V.

John Vincent - (Providence, R.I.)

---

Thursday Jan 24, 2019

I never knew James Lafazia. I only knew Faz - from when we were teens. He was like an ambassador no matter what group of people he interacted with throughout his life.
Faz seemed to know a lot about everything - wine, food, theater, sports, general repairs, travel, music, politics.....
I used to love mispronouncing the names of his favorite hockey players, or saying that Bowie wasn't that talented, just to rile him up. (I was only kidding Faz - Bowie was great. Try not to make a fool of yourself when you meet him)
And to echo Geoff Adams - he did have an amazing memory.
You can say A LOT of positive things about Faz, but simply put - he was just a great guy.

Fej - (Seekonk)

---

Thursday Jan 24, 2019

Your enthusiasm for life was palpable, your laugh infectious. Thank you for your joy and embodying what it means to be present.

Samantha Hines - (Newport)

---

Thursday Jan 24, 2019

I can’t believe I’m actually writing this about Jim. We’d known each other for 50 years since my family moved next door to Jimmy and his family. We went from him being responsible for me buying my first Led Zeppelin album (Led Zeppelin IV) in the 4th grade, him selling me some of his albums for a buck because he wanted cash… me playing my 45 of Michael Jackson’s “Rockin Robin” on my porch (because I knew how much he hated it) ... going to Foxboro to see Paul McCartney, to getting Providence Bruins season tickets together and everything in between. Unfortunately, we’d lost touch in recent years but, we always spoke or texted on his birthday and mine. I shared my birthday with Mrs. LaFazia, which is why he probably remembered. We caught up whenever we saw each other, which usually meant both of us being at the same hockey game or an unfortunate wake. Last season I got a text from him on a Friday night asking if I was at the game. He wanted to come over and visit. Unfortunately, I wasn’t. At one time, Jim, Cindy, and I were into the whole “hockey card collecting” thing. This meant sports card shows in Boston and pretty regular Saturday afternoon trips to Warren to visit Romeo’s card shop.
When we were younger, all of the neighborhood kids would hang out on the wall next to their driveway. Sometimes some of us would even hang at the snack bar at the Atlantic Mills, playing music and getting something to eat. We spent many a night on his porch, especially during the summer talking for hours. I can remember when my Grandmother died in 1972, on his birthday. He was right there when we came home from the wake. Imagine I was 11, he was 14 and he wanted to make sure I was ok. When my Mom died, almost 5 years ago, he was called to let him know that “Crazy Lady” wasn’t going to make it and that she still new everyone if he wanted to see her. He was right there for her and me. Numerous times like this existed between Jim and I…. It really is true that real friendship doesn’t mean you have to talk to or see someone every day, week or even year. The important thing is if I called him he’d be there, which he knew went both ways…. Jim will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope he’s happy and at peace with his family and friends who’ve passed before him. I wonder if Sandy is still chasing cars in heaven…..

Lori Arruda - (Cranston, RI)

---

Thursday Jan 24, 2019

Faz was one of the best friends I ever had. I came of age in his basement, listening to music and playing cards. Later, I played sidekick to Faz on many an adventure. I was also a shoulder to cry on when a relationship ended. After I moved from RI to HI, we still kept in touch and spent time together every time I visited RI. We could always pick up right where we left off, no matter how long it had been. Jim, you had a huge influence on my life and the person I have become. I will truly miss your friendship, your sarcastic humor, your comaraderie. I'll miss you, Brother. Rest in Peace.

Hal Corcoran - (Honolulu, Hawaii)

---

Thursday Jan 24, 2019

Faz… originally you were Jimmy to me while others called you Faz. Eventually I embraced Faz too. Damn it. You cut loose too early. You were a great friend and comrade on countless production gigs. Laughing was a priority, eating was a close second, and sharing stories and opinions was third. We met back in the 80s on some zany commercial job at Tin Can Alley. The work at TCA led to other clients, agencies, producers, and most importantly production crew friendships. Faz and I overlapped on jobs all over Rhode Island, Boston and New England. When ‘Complex World’ became an actual home grown RI feature production, I was brought on-board as the dialog sound recordist and, in turn, I brought Faz in as my wingman/boom man. Long hours, lots of laughs, and lots of commiserating. Not long after that we found ourselves going in different directions. When we did see each other it was always a big reunion moment. A few years ago I ran into him in the Cranston Whole Foods. We must have talked and caught up for two hours or more in the produce isles. His memory for names and circumstances and times and places always impressed me. My sincere condolences to his family.

Thomas and Karen Payne - (Chepachet, RI)

---

Thursday Jan 24, 2019

I am sorry to hear of his passing. Jimmy worked as a production person for us for many years. He also worked for us personally. My sincere condolences to his family.

Jean Cassiere - (Johnston, RI)

---

Thursday Jan 24, 2019

James I will miss you, I feel blessed to have known you albeit through work ,, there is no doubt you have left an indelible mark in my heart with your huge personality ,enthusiasm and zest for life , always ready with a quick anecdote or funny story,,and of course how can I forget that huge smile and laugh,,,taken way too soon but you will not be forgotten ,,,condolences to all the family

Sean Gormley - (Mattapoisett,Ma)

---

Friday Jan 25, 2019

I said "good bye" this morning to my friend, James... I am thankful that I will always have great memories of us at wine tastings at Chris Gasbarros, wine dinners with Chef Ken, and just enjoying wine and dinner with friends. I will also raise my glass to you whenever I can. You will be missed. You did "Live Love Laugh" as they say.

Bella-Marie Goes -

---

Friday Jan 25, 2019

Jimmy “Faz”... gonna miss you my friend. You were always a stand up guy, quick to help and quick with a joke, and an all around great guy. You will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to you, your family, and your many, many friends! I’m sure you are somewhere beautiful, drinking the best wine you’ve ever tasted. ‘Til we meet again, sir.

💙🍷😌

JP

Jeremy Pereira - (Fall River, MA)

---

Saturday Jan 26, 2019

I never really knew "Faz", but I did know Jimmy. I grew up with Jimmy from the age of 2 years old. He always had a way of making you feel special. Jimmy was like the big brother I never had. I have a lifetime of funny memories with him which I will never forget. It is with deepest regret that I now have to say..... I will miss you Jimmy ..... Rest in peace.

Bruce - (Warwick, ri)

---

Sunday Jun 02, 2019

Taken too soon. Good bless Jimmy's loved ones.

Anna Leah - (MA)

---