Jimmy Bissonnette, 58, died Dec. 1 of brain injuries after falling down a flight of stairs at his home.
Lori Cannon, longtime community HIV/AIDS activist and founder of Open Hand Chicago now a division of the Heartland Health Outreach, relayed Bissonnette's death to Windy City Times.
At the time of his death, Bissonnette was one of the receptionist's at the Center on Halsted ( the Center ). He previously was the general manager at Buck's Saloon ( Buck's ) for 25 years and was most recently a bartender at Little Jim's.
Bissonnette was born Jan. 25, 1958, in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, where he spent his childhood. He graduated from Chelmsford High School and attended the University of Massachusetts Lowell for two years. He moved to Chicago in 1980 when he accepted the flight attendant position at American Airlines and worked there for 12 years. Bissonnette left American Airlines to become a bank manager at First Commercial Bank of Chicago and then he accepted the position at Buck's.
He is survived by his ex-partner Everett "Rexx" Shane; his mother; Elaine; his father, Ralph; siblings Janet, John, Jerry, Jay and Joel; a host of nephews and nieces; and many cousins.
Bissonnette also ran DIRECT AID for over 25 years to help those who had HIV/AIDS with financial assistance.
"Jimmy and Buck's lead bartender Robin Schleyer were the primary people who distributed the DIRECT AID funds for things like rent and utility bills to those who came in with documentation of their HIV/AIDS diagnosis," said Cannon. "He would have entertaining and hugely successful fundraisers at Buck's and the proceeds would fill the coffers of DIRECT AID. Both Jimmy and Robin took a class on how to run a nonprofit so it would be a successful endeavor and satisfy the city's requirements.
"Jimmy and his staff accommodated the people who came to them for help beautifully, the best they could, with what they had so they could remain in their own homes and not be forced to live in a nursing home. At the very end of their lives, this assistance gave them the privilege of dying at home. DIRECT AID was a lifeline to so many. The program was grass roots and community based at its finest—for me, this will be Jimmy's lasting legacy."
"Today, the Bissonnette family and I bid farewell to the most amazing son, man, friend confidant scholar, uncle, godfather, boss, comic, critic, cherub, soothsayer, mentor, bartender extraordinaire, peacemaker, armchair analyst and many more superlatives," said Shane. "I will miss and love you eternally. See you later, Jim."
"When anyone was having a hard time, including myself, he was always there for us," said his friend and Center on Halsted Director of Operations Johnny Engelbreit. "I met him when I worked as a bartender at Gentry and he was part of the reason why I joined the Buck's family. At first, I didn't have a lot of shifts at Buck's but whenever I needed anything Jimmy was there for me with an extra shift, personal loan or just an ear to lend to me when I needed someone to talk to. My experience with him wasn't unique. Jimmy was the type of person that if you were in his life he would do anything for you. The relationships he built with myself and many other people who are mourning his death are a testament to the person he was."
"Jimmy was one of the sweetest men I've ever known," said long-time friend and former American Airlines colleague Joe Della Monica. "He would go out of his way to make everyone happy in every circumstance including when they came into Buck's, where he created a comfortable, welcoming neighborhood bar vibe. He sponsored two softball teams for many years—Buck's Shots and the Buck U's ( that I played on )—for the CMSA league. Both teams would come to the bar after our games for cook-out's and I'll always remember those days and the good times he helped create. Win or lose he was always there to support and celebrate us. I will miss his kind-hearted spirit and the joy he spread to so many people."
"He always wanted to make everyone's flight a great experience," said long-time friend and former American Airlines colleague Julie Daley. "Jimmy was the ultimate giver. I could call him with any request and he wouldn't blink an eye. He always made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. That was his gift. It was always easy to reconnect with him, even if we hadn't spoken for some time. He made me a part of his family from early on and even now I can call his mom to chat about many things. I'll miss his selflessness and insight the most."
"Jimmy was a hero to many in the community and at the Center," said the Center's CEO Modesto "Tico" Valle. "During his tenure at Buck's Saloon he led the DIRECT AID project that paid for rent, food, utilities, medications and so much more for those living with AIDS. We lost so many friends during the AIDS crisis but together we held each other up during those tough times—that's what friends do, that is what community is and that's who Jimmy was. He would give the shirt off his back to help a stranger and someone in need. At the Center, he was family and you never knew if Jimmy was on the clock or volunteering because he gave so much of himself. You're already missed my friend."
The Center will be holding a memorial service to celebrate his life the week of Jan. 25, when Bissonnette would have turned 59. Details will be announced at a later date.
