James J. Bisogni Jr.

James (“Jim”) John Bisogni Jr., 80, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, after a long journey with dementia.

Jim was born on June 26, 1945, in Syracuse, NY, to James and Louise (Storto) Bisogni. He grew up in Catskill, NY, where his love of the natural world first took root—a passion that would shape his life and career. Equally drawn to understanding how things work, he spent his youth tinkering and building, from repairing household items to constructing radios for his amateur radio station, an early sign of the engineer he would become.

Jim earned his undergraduate degree in civil engineering from Lehigh University and went on to graduate school at Cornell University, completing his Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering in 1973.

In 1971, Jim married Carole Ayres, with whom he built a life filled with love, humor, and dedication to family. Together they raised two sons, Adam and Jared, in Ithaca, NY. Jim was a devoted father who never missed a concert, lacrosse game, or swim meet, often helping out behind the scenes as a volunteer.

In 1972, he joined the faculty of Cornell’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, where he spent four decades teaching, mentoring, and conducting research in aquatic chemistry and water treatment. His research united environmental engineering and chemistry to advance water treatment, aquaculture, and anaerobic digestion. He studied the chemical and physical processes that shape water quality, from acid rain impacts on Adirondack lakes to heavy metal release in water systems, and developed models to improve wastewater and aquaculture treatment. His work provided both theoretical insights and practical tools that enhanced environmental protection and sustainable water management. In addition to his academic work at Cornell, Jim served as a consultant and process engineer at Eastman Kodak and was a visiting associate professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

A lifelong runner, Jim ran daily with the High Noon Runners and competed in countless local road races. He served for many years as secretary of the Finger Lakes Running Club and was a familiar, friendly face at events across the region. His commitment to public service also included time as a village trustee in Cayuga Heights.

Jim had a sharp wit and a unique sense of humor, often entertaining friends and family with jokes of his own invention. He also enjoyed woodworking and crafted many beautiful pieces of furniture over the years.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and by his beloved wife, Carole. He is survived by his sons, Jared (Maura Myers) and Adam (Catalina Pereira), and five grandchildren who brought him great joy: Eliza, Everett, Antonio, Amedeo, and Azzurra. He also leaves behind his sister, Barbara (Watson), and his brother, Ken.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff at Kendal at Ithaca and Classen Home Health, who cared for Jim with compassion and kindness over the past several years.

Calling hours will be held at Bangs Funeral Home on Monday, August 25 from 4–6 p.m., with a burial at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 26 at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Ithaca, NY.