James J. "Jimmy" Minnella

Jimmy, 94, was born and raised in Newark, NJ and resided in Little Falls for the past 44 years. He was the youngest of 17 children. Beloved husband of Theresa (nee Boudreau) for 65 wonderful years. Proud father of James and his wife Rose, Anthony and his wife Jill and Michael and his wife Barbara. Adoring grandfather of Samantha, James Jr, Jamie, Ricky, Anthony, Alyssa, Evangeline and Adelaide. Jimmy was an uncle and second father to hundreds more.

Jimmy proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Tank Operator in World War II. He joined the 12th Armored Division at the Battle of the Bulge and in that battle, three quarters of his unit was lost in battle.  He served the rest of his service under the legendary General Patton.  He received a Bronze Star for bravery and Purple Heart after being shot in combat. After returning home from the war, he worked on the docks as a longshoreman. He finally found his lifelong career as an electrician for the IBEW Local #102. Jimmy was a skilled electrician and eventually started his own business, JASCO Electric with his son Anthony.

Jimmy was an active member of his community. He was a member of the Little Falls Chapter of the Knights of Columbus for 39 years, where he, until he was 90 years old, coordinated the monthly bus rides to Atlantic City. He was a Master Mason with Little Falls lodge #263 of F & A.M. A long-time member of the Livingston B.O.P.E. lodge #1855. Finally, Jimmy dedicated many hours to Our Lady of the Holy Angels Church and attended mass daily for over 40 years. He was a man of faith, who witnessed many miracles due to that faith.

In retirement, Jimmy traveled the world. He escorted his family on four camping trips across the United States. After seeing all 50 States his wife “dragged” him around the world – twice. He had a tireless sense of adventure. Jimmy walked the Great Wall of China, toured the Taj Mahal, rode an Ostrich and climbed to the base camp at Mt. Everest at 78 years old. There weren’t many things he would try, at least once.

His family will receive their friends Monday, March 12th from 4-8 pm (Knights of Columbus Service at 6:30 pm) at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, March 13th at 9:30 am at Our Lady of the Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church, 465 Main Street, Little Falls - please arrive at the funeral home at 8:45 am. Entombment to follow to Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. In lieu of flower donations in James’ name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.​