James Patrick “Jim” Solari Sr., 86, passed away Friday, Feb. 25, 2022 in a local hospital.  He was born Dec. 23, 1935 to Sherman J. Solari Sr. and Anita Breaux Solari in Lake Charles, La.  He graduated from Landry High School where he played football and ran track.

Following high school, Jim worked briefly in Lafayette, La., before returning to Lake Charles to work at the family business, Solari Marble & Granite Works where he was still working until his death. He often mentioned how proud he was to be able to continue the 100 year old family business.

Jim was a long-time member of the Lake Charles Racquet Club where he played tennis with friends and enjoyed cooking for the many events hosted by the club.  He was also an avid fisherman, and spent many weekends offshore on his boat, the “Gang” with family and friends, catching red snapper.  He was also very proud of his Southwest Louisiana Fishing Rodeo record 665 pound Blue Marlin.

Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Phyllis Crawford Solari; his daughter, Jane Lanza (Danny); his son, James Patrick “Rick” Solari Jr. (Jennifer); and his daughter, Lisa Baggett; seven grandchildren, Jenny Carver, Stephen Lanza (Lauren), Grace Thibodeaux (Taylor), Anna Solari, John Baggett, Juliann Baggett (fiancé Alex Nay), and Jimmy Baggett; six great-grandchildren; his brother, Sherman Solari Jr; his sister-in-law, Louise Solari; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, Archie Solari; his sister, Audrey Solari; and his sister-in-law, Joyce Bertrand Solari.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 28, 2022 at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Lake Charles.  The Rev. Fr. Rommel Tolentino will serve as Celebrant.  The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the start of the mass.  Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.