James Rodney Anixter, “The Pink Hat Guy,” beloved husband and best friend of Lesley nee Bass for 55 wonderful years; loving father of Darren (Michelle) Anixter, Todd (Jessica) Anixter, Eric Anixter (Hannah Rosenfeld, fiancée), and Courtney Anixter (AJ Golding); cherished grandpa “Pink” of Evan (Katie), Grant, Austin, Tyler, and Jayden Anixter, Watts, Stiles, and Ronette Golding; devoted son of the late Gail and Alan Anixter; dear brother of the late Scott (Penny) Anixter; caring brother-in-law of the late Susan (Larry) Rosen; adored cousin of Jeffrey Annenberg, who was like a brother to him. Jim was a treasured uncle, cousin, and friend of many.

Jim was a visionary businessman, an industry leader, and a Chicago original. He proudly served as Executive Vice President of Anixter Brothers for 22 years before founding AZ Wire and Cable in 1988 and building it into an extraordinary family business grounded in integrity, hard work, and lasting relationships. Throughout his remarkable career, Jim earned the respect and admiration of colleagues across the electrical industry, becoming a true legend whose influence will endure for generations.

A gifted athlete and passionate sports fan, Jim was inducted into the Illinois Softball Hall of Fame, a testament to his competitive spirit and love of the game. But nowhere was his passion more evident than at Wrigley Field, where he remained a devoted Chicago Cubs fan for life. A season ticket holder for 60 years, Jim purchased his first season tickets in 1966 and, beginning in 1967, became a familiar face in the coveted front-row seats behind home plate.

To millions of baseball fans, however, Jim was simply “The Pink Hat Guy.” His unmistakable bright pink baseball cap became one of the most recognizable sights at Cubs games and a beloved symbol of Wrigley Field. The tradition began as a playful promise to his wife that she could always spot him on television, know he was exactly where he said he would be, and not “fooling around.” After the 1990 All-Star Game, the pink hat became a permanent part of Jim’s identity. Through decades of unforgettable Cubs moments, he became as much a fixture at Wrigley Field as the ivy on its walls. To generations of fans, “The Pink Hat Guy” wasn’t just a nickname; it was Jim. He will forever be remembered as a cherished part of Chicago Cubs history.

Jim never met a stranger. Whether you were a lifelong friend or someone he had just met, he had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. Status, title, or circumstance never mattered to him-he treated everyone with the same warmth, kindness, respect, and genuine interest. He lived authentically, never pretending to be anyone but himself. He was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, quick with a joke, unforgettable to everyone who crossed his path, and a true mensch in every sense of the word.

Above all else, Jim’s greatest pride and deepest love was his family. Every accomplishment, every success, and every joy in his life was secondary to the people he loved most. He devoted his life to his family, and they, in turn, devoted themselves to him. His love was steadfast, his guidance unwavering, and his presence a source of strength, laughter, and comfort. While his legacy will live on in business, sports, and throughout Chicago, the love he shared with his family will remain his greatest and most enduring achievement.

Jim’s life was one of purpose, generosity, laughter, loyalty, and love. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that will live on in his family, his countless friends, the electrical industry he helped shape, and the city he loved so deeply. Chicago has lost one of its true originals, but “The Pink Hat Guy” will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all who knew him and in the hearts of millions who smiled each time they spotted that famous pink cap behind home plate.

In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with the tradition of Jim’s Pink Hat, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society and Jewish United Fund Chicago (JUF). Interment private. Memorial Service Friday, July 3rd, at Am Shalom, 840 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe, IL 60022, with shiva to follow at Am Shalom. For the link to view the memorial service virtually and to leave condolences, please contact Shalom Memorial Funeral Home at www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.