James Patrick Papaccio passed away on November 27, 2024 with his family by his side. He was 72 years old. Born and raised in Bayonne, NJ, James was the second child of the late Pasquale (Pat) and Teresa Papaccio (née Iazzetta). He was a graduate of Roosevelt School and Bayonne High School. An excellent football player in high school and a sports fan generally, he was a lifelong fan of the NY Giants and NY Yankees. He spent the last 20 years enjoying time in Key West, Florida and the New Jersey shore, two places he loved.

Everything about James was big. He was a big guy. He had a big personality. He had a big house at the Jersey shore, with a big pool and big rafts. He had big dogs. He had a big boat named Sweetie and loved to catch big fish – sharks, marlins, etc. In his job in transportation and logistics, he moved big pieces of equipment. He had a big, loud mouth. He told big, tall tales. He had a big, infectious laugh. He took big trips. He had big parties and was always the life of the party. He had big plans and ideas. He gave big hugs. His generosity was huge. He had a big heart with lots of love to give and left a big impression on everyone he met.

He now joins in heaven his mother and father, his late wife Ann Marie Papaccio, his brother Blaine Papaccio, his brother-in-law Pete Donovan and many friends, including Vinnie Yaschur.

He leaves behind his wife Anna Papaccio (née Halton-Yaschur), his brother, Patrick Papaccio, his sisters-in-law, Lynne Papaccio, Kathy Donovan and Kate Papaccio, his nieces and great nieces, Jane Edwards (née Papaccio), Erin Donovan-Roth, Keira Roth and Fallon Roth, his nephews and great nephew, Patrick Donovan, Ben Roth, Brian Edwards, Joe Papaccio and Tim Edwards, his aunts, Marie DeVente, Madeline Iazzetta and Angie Falcicchio, countless cousins, including Nina DeNicola, Richard, Sue and Leah McCusker, John DeVente and Vincent, Lynne and Rosemarie Iazzetta, his stepson Morgan (Sara) Halton and their children Cora and Miles, and many friends, including Billy Fedyshyn and his daughter Ashley, John and MaryRose Tomalavage and their children CJ and Laura, Lee and Steve O'Malley, Mary Maresca and Danny Costantino. James is also survived by many extended family members and friends, who he had from different aspects of his life and work and from every corner of the world.

He loved fishing, traveling, grilling, daily facetiming with family and friends, making people laugh and feel loved, and hosting people at the house, which was often like Grand Central Station with people coming and going. He was the definition of "living life to the fullest." He opened his heart to many people and did anything for those he loved. We could all learn from him in that regard. We all wish we had more time with him. He will be sorely missed.

A wake will be held at Migliaccio Funeral Home, 851 Kennedy Boulevard, Bayonne, NJ 07002 on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. If you wish to honor James' memory, please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which cann be done directly by clicking the "Memorial Donations" tab below.