The family of James E. Piatti of Portland, CT is deeply saddened to announce his passing on Monday July 13th, 2026, at the age of 71. Born on May 29th, 1955, Jim was the son of the late Joseph Piatti and Sarah “Sadie” (Long) Piatti of Portland. 

Jim was a 1975 graduate of Vinal Technical High School in Middletown, CT, graduating from the Tool and Die trade. He married Rose (Magnano) Piatti also of Portland on Sept. 17th, 1977. They resided in Portland for 48 years where they raised their two daughters, Danielle Piatti and Lisa Piatti (Johnson).  Jim was a devoted employee no matter where he worked. He started working at the age of 13 for Portland Boat Works where the owner, Jarv Barton, took Jim "under his wing" and became his mentor, as Jim's father passed when he was 9 years old. 

Jim worked for the town of Portland at the Highway Garage; he was a Constable for the town of Portland as well as a Volunteer Fireman for 50 years for Company #1. He then worked for Continental Can, also known as Stone Container, then Smurfit Stone for 20 years until retirement. He then worked another 20 years for Middlesex Mutual, retiring again in 2020. 

His preferred line of work was being in the scrap metal recycling industry for over 60 years. Many called him "Jim the Junk Man". wheelin' and dealin' brought him much work fulfillment. He loved his "Golden Treasures". After he retired, he'd help out whoever and whenever was needed. He helped out at Eggs Up Restaurant as he and the owner, Kim Greenlaw have been friends for 35 years. 

He enjoyed helping Friends and Family using his equipment to get projects done for whomever needed. He also enjoyed using his creative "rigging" abilities to conquer what most people would not have challenged. Those who knew him knew him as a Human Machine. The ability to help others in a situation where most thought was impossible gave him great satisfaction. If you were one of those people, you know! 

Jim took care of whoever needed the help - no matter who or what the situation you ALWAYS could ask him for whatever you needed and he without hesitation, would lend a hand. 

Although he worked ALOT, he did manage to find non-working enjoyments. Fishing (especially with his nephew Robbie Warner and his daughter Lisa), spending family gatherings and holidays with the ones he loved, dinner dates with his wife Rose, family and friends, casino trips, he loved putting together and maintaining a very large vegetable garden, collecting antiques of all sorts, collecting a variety of cars and trucks. Jim also loved his many dogs throughout his life. 

Jim was always up for a planned or spontaneous adventure with his daughter Lisa. She was the apple of his eye, his sidekick, his best friend, his biggest joy in life.

Besides his wife and daughters, Jim leaves behind his brother Joseph Piatti, his son-in-law Roger Johnson, his grandson Jonathan Johnson, his nephew Robbie Warner and his wife Amanda Warner, his sister-in-laws Francine Magnano and Donna Zawistowski, many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends he considered family. 

A private burial will be held at convince of the family. Donations can be made in honor of Jim’s memory to the Portland Fire Department, the Portland Food Bank or the Portland Animal Shelter. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.