Following his run for the Sun City Board of Directors last fall, familiar face Jim Fatigato is taking on a new position in community governance. The Board recently has appointed the Sun City resident to the Election Committee.
But Fatigato has another role, too. Last Halloween, he stepped in and brought Mickey Mouse to Grandma, Grampa & Me’s traditional Halloween party. Fatigato has brought delight to children’s lives for 20 years, giving them the opportunity to meet Mickey Mouse through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Thinking about his time in River Grove, Fatigato shared his deep passion for working with local youth. He ran and won a position on the school board. For years, he spearheaded a community talent show designed specifically to uplift children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“The show gave them a chance to shine and highlight their skills,” Fatigato noted. “I think it gave them a sense of confidence that I hope stayed with them.”
The Mickey suit may be in the closet, but the magic stays with Jim Fatigato and his efforts to bring joy to local youth through volunteer work. (Photo by Christine Such/My Sun Day News)
He recalled the pleasure of seeing the auditorium packed with supporters, noting how rewarding it was to see the children take center stage.
The success of these events was a true partnership. Fatigato’s wife, Judy, served as the organizational backbone of the operation, managing everything from scheduling to organization. “She is my right hand,” Jim said. “She made the events go smoothly.”
Jim’s journey into the iconic white gloves began almost by accident. While volunteering for local shows, he met the owner of an entertainment business who was looking for someone to step into the role of Winnie the Pooh. Jim took the job, beginning a whimsical adventure which would eventually lead him to his true calling.
“I played several characters, including the Easter Bunny,” Jim recalls. “But then I was asked to play Mickey Mouse. The moment I put that costume on, I was hooked.”
For Jim, portraying Mickey quickly evolved from a gig into a mission.
“It’s more than merely a job,” he explains. “I’m forming memories for children and adults alike. For a few moments, people feel like they have permission to be kids again. I’ve seen it happen time after time.”
The turning point that transformed Jim’s work into a lifelong devotion occurred at a routine event. A mother approached him with a heartbreaking request: her child was terminally ill, and their greatest wish was to meet Mickey Mouse. Jim didn’t hesitate.
“That child was in bed, very sick, with very little time left,” Jim says. “In those moments, I was so glad the mask had a permanent smile on it. I realized they didn’t need my sympathy; they needed joy, celebration, and a memory to hold onto. To that little boy, I was Mickey Mouse. How can you top that?”
The experience was so impactful that Jim immediately reached out to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, realizing he had found a way to use his character to bring light to families during their darkest hours.
Jim understands the burden of hardship better than most. He’s carried the silent ache of losing his father on Christmas Eve early in life, knowing firsthand how difficult it is to find one’s way through the world without one parent’s guidance.
But more recently, life brought Jim a different type of challenge. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he spent a bit too long outside in the biting cold. When he finally came indoors, a lingering numbness did not fade. The diagnosis was Bell’s Palsy. While doctors reassured him that the vast majority of patients make a full recovery, Jim found himself in the unlucky 10 percent left with permanent paralysis.
The physical change took an emotional toll. Withdrawing into himself, Jim became deeply self-conscious. “I was in a shell,” he recalls.
He didn’t stay there for long, thanks to his wife, Judy, and an enthusiastic group of neighbors known as the “Happy Hour Group.” What started as biweekly gatherings at a local pizza place became a support group. From road trips to see family, a recent event, his cousin’s son, Jimmy Pardo, and grandson, Oliver, performing comedy at Zany’s in Rosemont to upcoming outings in private suites at Schaumburg Boomers games, the group of Sun City residents became his sanctuary.
“This group brought me out of my shell,” Jim says. “These people became my home. They pulled me out, and they were kind to me.” Through their chuckles and loyalty, Jim found that while some scars are permanent, nobody has to carry them alone.
When the holiday spirit needed a hero in Sun City this past season, Jim didn’t hesitate to step into some very big black boots. When a scheduled Santa Claus was unable to make a local house call, Jim suited up to ensure the festivities didn’t miss a beat. His impromptu performance brought a wave of happy smiles to a home that nearly lacked its North Pole visitor.
For those who know Jim, his festive spirit is a year-round staple. Every October, he maintains a treasured neighborhood tradition, donning his costume to hand out treats to trick-or-treaters right from his front yard.
At 71, Jim admits the years have changed his pace, but not his passion. “I’m not as quick on my feet as I used to be,” he says with a smile. “But when that suit is on, and the music begins to play, I’m a kid again — just like those I entertain. And that’s okay.”
