James "Jimmy" Vitulli

James Frank Vitulli was born on October 13, 1946 in Houston, Texas and passed away peacefully at his home in Kurten, Texas on June 7, 2025 at the age of 78, with Barbara by his side.

Known by most as Jimmy, he was born to Ramon and Carolyn Vitulli, who set an example for him early on of sharing life with others. He grew up with his three brothers in Houston and had great childhood memories, gaining several life-long friends. He attended St. Pius X High School and graduated from the University of Houston. He honorably and proudly served in the Air Force, active duty for six months and six years in the reserves, from 1968 to 1974.

Jimmy met Barbara in 1969 and knew right away that he wanted to pursue her. They were married June 26, 1971 and by 1973 were the new owners of a family business, Il Napoli Italian Restaurant. Not long after that, they started their family and had Jimmy Jr., Lisa, and Matt. As if running a restaurant and raising three young children was not a heavy enough load, they began their second restaurant, Vitulli’s Italian Restaurant, in 1985. The whole family gained so much from being in the business, taking away countless life lessons and experience that would shape all of them.

Over the course of the years, Jimmy had many hobbies and interests – riding dirt bikes, Harley Davidsons, starting and eventually finishing house projects for Barbara, listening to music, dancing, playing acoustic guitar, learning the bass guitar, taking out his boat, working on his tractor, and learning how to repair and build whatever he put his mind to. Jimmy loved spending time with family, including his Dad’s family from New York and his Mom’s family in Texas. Seventeen years ago he fulfilled his life-long dream of moving to “the farm” that had been in his family for generations, where he, along with Barbara, spent his days making the property a beautiful and welcoming place for family, friends, and guests.

In his last months Jimmy was able to buy his dream truck, a 1956 Ford, which became yet another fun project for him to work on. All of these things he did alongside family and friends, creating meaningful memories for his children and grandchildren, loving them and leading them. He knew Jesus and especially leaned on Him the last fourteen years of his life.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Ramon and Carolyn Vitulli, and his brother Ramon Jr. He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Barbara, his son Jimmy Jr., wife Jessie and their children Remo, Max, and Frankie; daughter Lisa Perry, husband Chad and their children Lauren, Madeline, Caroline, and Jack; son Matt, wife Amanda and their children Miles, Addison, and Whit, and many extended family members that were near and dear to him.

A memorial service will be held on July 1, 2025 at 10 AM at Grace Bible Church, 6325 Hurst Street, Houston, Texas 77008

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in memory of Jimmy to St. Jude’s or for Young Life Camper Scholarships in the Brazos Valley.

https://giving.younglife.org/s/?GiftType=Area&Name=YoungLifeConsolCamp&Amount=50.00&Frequency=One-Time&AppealCodeId=70141000000tvBDAAY&BypassDesignationPage=false&MissionUnitId=a2s410000002wg9AAA&MissionUnitName=Brazos%20Valley&ClassCodeId=a2j41000000Nj8eAAC&ClassCodeName=Camp%20Scholarship

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html