James Dominic Corigliano

James Corigliano, to the best of our knowledge was 80, passed away at home April 18, 2018 after a battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. He was born in Des Moines, IA on October 1st, 1937 to Joe and Louise (Leo) Corigliano. A lifelong Southsider, Jim graduated from Lincoln High and Grandview University.
Early in life he fought Polio and never let it slow him down. Jim grew up in an idyllic neighborhood and shared a love of sports with his brother Don. With a dedicated group of friends, the Corigliano house was the place to gather and play all kinds of sports. When older, they played fast and slow pitch softball several nights a week.
On July 31st, 1965 Jim married his true love, JoAnne Reynolds. In August of 1967 they welcomed their first son Joey. In September of 1970 they welcomed Jim Jr. into the family. July of 1972 brought the arrival of Jay to the family. Growing up with a large loving family, Jim knew the importance and love of family early on. He enjoyed all the big family get-togethers, holidays, and the farm. He was shy and serious until he got to know you. Then you discovered his dry, wicked sense of humor and love of pranks and nicknames. Ask his kids about the Red Fox.
Jim also had a love for classic cars, owning a '56 Thunderbird himself, and sprint car racing. He opened C&C Automotive with his brother Don in 1965. They specialized in custom body work, corvettes, and sprint cars for 30 years. They also had a great sense of community. In 1984 they opened the Firehouse Lounge solely to save the South Des Moines Little League. The Firehouse is where Jim pulled his most legendary pranks. After the shop was closed and the bar was sold, Jim worked for Polk County and was a beloved member of the Title Department. Jim was a lifelong, diehard, Iowa Hawkeye fan. He also had a huge passion for music with an equally huge and impressive record collection. While Jim didn't play an instrument, he is a big influence on his sons who are all musicians.
Those left to cherish the memory of Jim include his wife, JoAnne; his sons Joey and daughter-in-law Heather, Jim Jr. and daughter-in-law Alison, and Jay; beloved grandchildren Tyler, Anthony, Nina, Jonas, Jackson, and Annabella; brother Don, sister-in-law Linda, and nephew Andy; Dominic Leo and wife Mary Ann; and many, many cousins, friends, and neighbors.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 23, 2018 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Jim will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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