James J. Alberico

Jim Alberico was born in Joliet, Illinois, on December 12, 1948, the second son of Italian parents Herman and Ann (Persicketti) Alberico. From an early age, he had an ear for music, first learning drums, guitar, and piano. He got a taste of his future profession by playing drums in a bar polka band while he was in junior high, much to his mother’s chagrin. Eventually he could pick up and figure out how to play just about anything. He played in his Lockport West High School band and, not long afterward, in a series of (mostly) rock and roll bands that he would continue to play in for the rest of his life. The number of musicians and groups that Jim has played with over the years is immense and too long to list here, but some of the highlights were The Fables, Jacks Are Better, Vintage Wood, The Electric Lunatics, and Shindig. He even got to open for Illinois legends The Cryan’ Shames and New Colony Six at one point. He was likely headed down a path to musical stardom, but he was more interested in a steady job and settling down to start a family. In 1985 he became the eternally proud father of his son, Zak, creating a bond that would never fade, one built on love, strength, and standing side by side through every chapter of life.

Jim made a living for many years as an industrial painter. He climbed up and into many of the area’s industrial vessels to sandblast and paint—water tanks, warehouses, nuclear reactors, you name it; Jim painted it. But he also used his brushes artistically, creating thousands of artworks in his spare time over the years: abstract oil paintings, ink sketches, collages, bowling ball yard art, metal sculptures. He was always tinkering with something cool and interesting in his basement studio and never did the same thing twice: the hallmark of a true artist.

In 2009 at a little wine bar in downtown Lockport, he met the love of his life, Beverlee. They were married at that same little wine bar in 2012 and became inseparable, traveling the world together, going to concerts, and as often as possible spending time with family as well as a wonderful and tight group of like-minded friends. It was pretty much a guarantee that during family and friend gatherings, a musical jam would happen at some point, usually after a few glasses of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.

Jim passed peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on March 17, 2026. A bright light has gone out of the world, but his music, his gentle nature, his great smile, his crazy hair, his well-done hockeypuck burgers, but most of all his beautiful soul will shine forever in the hearts of those who knew him.

Jim was preceded in death by his older brother, Robert, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his loving wife, Beverlee; his devoted son, Zak (Mandi); brothers Ron (Laurie) and David; stepsons BJ Carrick and Ryan Carrick; grandchildren Dylan, Hunter, Asher, and Zoey Alberico, and Violet Carrick; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, bandmates, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that you consider a donation to Lightways Hospice Care in Joliet. More information is available at https://lightways.org.

A celebration of James' life will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 with a visitation at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Words of remembrance will be held at 7:00 p.m. Per James' wishes cremation rites will be accorded following services.