Divers searching for a man who went missing in Illinois stumbled upon the body of an Army veteran who had been missing for over 20 years.
James Pisano Jr., a 39-year-old father who mysteriously vanished in 2001, was discovered in a 1998 black Lincoln Town Car submerged at the bottom of Hodgkins Pond. This finding occurred in September during an effort led by divers working with a cold case unit that was investigating a different missing person.
According to his obituary, for nearly a quarter of a century, Pisano’s family held onto hope and memories of him while grappling with many unanswered questions. The obituary mentioned his struggles with “mental illness” throughout his life.
In 2025, findings confirmed his death, which, while it brought long-sought answers, also came with immense sadness.
“John’s life had its share of challenges and grief, but he will be remembered for his vivacious spirit, love for music and dance, and profound affection for his family,” the obituary stated.
The volunteer group, Chaos Divers, made this discovery while searching for another missing person, Hiep Lu, who was last seen in 2003. They were quite surprised to find Pisano’s body inside the vehicle.
Authorities noted that the submerged Lincoln is connected to a missing persons report for Pisano from about 25 years ago.
Pisano, who served in the Army with pride from a young age, is described by family members as a dedicated father and an enthusiastic music lover, someone who lived life confidently and charismatically.
His obituary compared him to actor John Travolta, proclaiming, “Whether he was dancing in platform shoes and a leather jacket or with perfectly styled hair, John brought vibrant energy wherever he went.”
“He had his stubborn moments, but beneath that strong demeanor was a man who deeply cared for his children. Family was everything to him, and his love for them never wavered… May he find peace now.”
