We welcome friends and family to submit your fondest thoughts and memories of Jim or your condolences to his family, so that we might add them to a list of tributes to share with all who visit our web site. To do so, simply complete a Memorial Tribute form and submit it to us. We will post your tribute as soon as possible.

Sunday, May 25, 2003

To the Phelan family-
My heart goes out to every one. I remember Jimbo in my high school years at PCHS, and more recent, the Ringside Lounge smiling and joking with friends, where I got the opportunity to see him after 30 years. He will always be in my heart, and sadly missed.

God Bless, and be strong.

Cecelia Homay Cousins
celiacuz@aol.com

Sunday, May 25, 2003

Dear Joan,

I'm not sure if you'll remember me, but I used to live across the street from Maureen and Linda McVey in Washington. I came to many activities at PCHS with them. I now live in Florida, but I read the Express-Times online every day. I am so sorry to read of Jimmy's passing. Please know that even though friends are far away, we grieve with you. God Bless you and your family.

Fondly,

Billie Thatcher
(you'd know me as Billie Mae)
billiethatcher@thevillages.net

Monday, May 26, 2003

To the whole family,

Jimbo always made me laugh. My heart goes out to you all. I wish I could be with you all on Wednesday, but my heart will be. Kim please contact me.

Love always
Sandra Drury
(London, England)
Sandra_drury@jltgroup.com

Monday, May 26, 2003

My most sincere condolences to Kim and the family. I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing.

Cyrena Terricone
cterricone@stblaw.com

Monday, May 26, 2003

To Mrs. Phelan and Jim's family,

There is no one in this world who has touched my life the way Jim has. There had been some rough roads and also great times. For 20 years I have had the pleasure of having someone so happy and funny and caring to be my friend. I will always remember how much he loved his children, and all the children he came in contact with. What a wonderful, wonderful man! No one made me laugh as much as he has. All the funny stories of when he was a crazy guy at P'burg Catholic. He would tell them so well you felt like you were there. I miss him so much, he has given me some great advice over the years and I am going to use it in my life to remind me that he is still here.

God bless you all, I am so sorry.

Shelly Shepherd
shelly27@enter.net

Monday, May 26, 2003

Dear Joan and Family,

I just got a call about Jimmy and wanted to offer my sympathies. I remember him so well in high school and especially at our last high school reunion. He was a special person and will be missed.

Sincerely,
Christine (Chando) Erck
cae1723@aol.com

Monday, May 26, 2003

To the family,

Jim was a good friend to have around. He was a fun person to have at parties. We will remember him in the winter time in 96 when the grandchildren and Kim made an igloo in the snow.

We will miss him a lot.

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent P. Montoro
bthatcher@rcn.com

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

Working with Jimbo was a good experience for all. I liked the way he conducted himself, he was a professional and added humor along the way. Its not hard to realize that many friends, family and co-workers will miss him dearly. God bless Jim.

Fred J. Swindell
fjsapop@aol.com

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

Ellen and Phelan Family,

There are no words to express my sympathy at this time..I thank God for allowing me to have known Jim Phelan..his smile and warm hearted eyes will be a fond memory to me...My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jackie Sands Cole
bellamy12@hotmail.com

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

Jim's sense of humor, love of music, fun-loving/easy going personality, and lengthy stories will be sorely missed at Rotondo Precast. Jim took what could have been a very stressful job and made it as fun as he could. He always had a way of helping you see the bright side of almost any situation. Our 5 am coffee and chat time will be greatly greatly missed!!! Jim was a good friend.

Rotondo Precast Quality Control Department
jeff.bell@olcastleprecast.com

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

Please accept our heartiest condolences from all of my family members. Jim will be missed a lot. May his soul rest in peace.

Ashvil Patel
N.J.D.O.T.
ashvin2700@aol.com

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

To Ellen and the Phelan family:

My deepest sympathy for your loss. I have worked with Jim for a number of years, and he will be sorely missed by all of his friends and colleagues here at the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Eileen C. Sheehy
eileen.sheehy@dot.state.nj.us

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

My sincere condolences to the Phelan family and Kim Flowers on the passing of Jim. I have been his daily co-worker for the past 6-7 months and enjoyed coming to work for some lively conservation and numerous laughs with Jim. Bless you

Eric Walker
ewalker250@erols.com

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

"I'm not bad for an Irish-man" is Jim's response every morning when asked. Jim and I would solve the world's problems every morning for the last few months he has been assigned to this plant. Jim used to say "If the government would listen in on our conversations, this country would not have anymore problems." God Bless his family, Kim, and anyone blessed enough to have known him.

Jeff Bell
jeff.bell@oldcastleprecast.com

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

Dear Mrs. Phelan,

I was deeply saddened to hear of Jimmy's passing. It is with a heavy heart that I express my sincerest condolences to you and all of Jimmy's family. Jimmy was always somewhat of a hero to me, I recall all those days and nights that I rooted for Jim, whether it was on the football field or on the basketball court but much more than that, it was his endearing personality and friendliness that I admired most about Jim. His words of encouragement to me were always honest and, just like his jump shot, right on. It was an honor and pleasure knowing Jimmy and he will always remain a bright part of my childhood memories. Peace be with you and all your family.

Sincerely,
Gary Sanguinito
GSangi@rcn.com

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

My friendship with Jim began in elementary school where we were more interested in the playground than the classroom--it showed in our report cards, too. Jim became my best friend in the sixth grade and we were inseparable right into high school. Jimmy was relaxed, adventuresome and a hoot to be with, even as a boy.

In his brown Steele Hill jacket, he would accompany me on my paper route in the Projects on Green Street. One day I sang a couple of songs while Jimmy graciously listened. Years later, he reminded me of that day and my awful singing. We laughed at such a quirky remembrance.

I remember a Spring day in eighth grade when Jim and I decided to play hooky. We headed down South Main Street for his home on the hill where we got into his mom's carton of Old Gold Filters. It was the rebellious thing to do in those days, I guess; but despite the misguided choices, we pursued our free spirit through the force of our natural aversion to elementary school authority.

Jimmy loved basketball. As kids, we played together for Steele Hill on a pretty good team coached by Jim Giordano of Alpha. We both thought the world of Mr. Giordano who was able to channel our rebellious spirit into something constructive and fun. Paul Leone was on that team, at that time our top scorer. For three straight years, we vied for the league championship against a Lopatcong team that featured the formidable threesome of Earl Touchton, Bill Noto and Don Jean. We won only one of those championships, but anyone could see Jimmy's natural affinity for the game. Of course, he went on to a distinguished basketball career at Phillipsburg Catholic.

Jim also played football in high school, running back on offense and tackle on defense (funny how he was fast enough to carry the ball, yet strong and smart enough to excel on the line). He was an outstanding player at both positions on our undefeated football team in 1968. Everybody loved Jimmy growing up. He was so easy talk to, fun to be with and loyal when it counted.

Reunions were never awkward when Jim was around. At our fifth reunion, his chair tipped over backwards, and he cut his head badly enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room for stitches; but he returned later in the evening, laughing like that was far more important than his injury. It was.

I last saw him at our 30th reunion in 1999. He stood out with his lean frame, that white mop of hair and a laugh that I can hear in my memory anytime I want. I want to now more than ever.

For then and always,

Marty Coyle
maco4@comcast.net

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

Joani and family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Much love,

Sean and Kathy Butler
kmh2@lehigh.edu

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

To the family and friends of Jimmy Phelan,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have wonderful memories of Jimmy at PCHS; in class, on the basketball court or the football field and at our last class reunion-always laughing and being the special person that he was.

Sincerely,
Charlene (Chando) Barto
(Class of '69)
cebarto@hotmail.com

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

To the family,

Received a call from my sister yesterday, telling me about Jim. I'm very sorry to hear of your loss and extend my condolences to all. Although its been over thirty years since I lived in Phillipsburg, I can still remember Jim at Walters Park, the Firth Youth Center and the Phillipsburg -vs- Phillipsburg Catholic basketball rivalry. What I found most memorable about Jim was that quick smile and his love of laughter. Will be deeply missed.

Charles (Bucky) Utley
Monroeville PA
cueja@cs.com

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

To the Phelan Family and Kim,

Joe and I are deeply saddened by the loss of a good friend! We were so terribly shocked. We will always remember Jim's smile and ability to make all those in his presence feel liked. I remember our trip to Florida several years ago when we met up with Jim, Kim and Ally.We went to dinner, the parks and had a lot of fun. My daughter's boyfriend who had just met him for the first time, said "what a nice guy!" He really liked him. Nice is only one word of many to describe Jim. I will remember the fun times at Ringside dancing together and laughing! Joe will remember all the funny stories from work! He cannot stop laughing when he tries to tell them. Jim we will miss you!!

May God Bless You!!

Sincerely,
Cathy and Joe Noto
kitcat1044@aol.com

Wednesday, May 28, 2003

Dear Mrs. Phelan, family and Kim,

We are so deeply sorry to hear of Jim's passing. My husband and I fondly remember going to Florida several years ago with my parents and meeting up with Jim, Ally and Kim. This was the first of only several encounters my husband had with "Jimbo". The first thing he said when he heard of Jim's passing was what a great guy he was and although he was old enough to be his father, Jim always acted like an old friend. They shared an Irish bond. God Bless are thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tanya and Pat Garren
clavin7@aol.com

Wednesday, May 28, 2003

Joanie and Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. Much Love,

Sue Kramer
mesmk01@moravian.edu

Wednesday, May 28, 2003

I am so sorry to hear the passing of Jim. I first met Jim while working with him at Dean's Appliances in Washington NJ. We quickly became friends and actually went out on deliveries and jobs. We were always laughing most of the day. He made it a joy and made me laugh all the time. I invited him over to my parents one night for a steak dinner and it carried over to my parents. They really enjoyed and to this day remembers him. As time went by we both left Dean's Appliances, but Jim at times crossed my mind. How he was and what he was doing? I eventually saw him down in the P'burg Mall and it was like I never stopped seeing him everyday. He had that great way about him and the joking and that day he left me with laughter. He was a blessing while he was with us, and a total joy when you were around him. God bless his family and everyone connected to have the joy of being in Jim's life. I will never forget him. In closing when you think of Jim..always think of him with a smile on your face, that's probably the way he would want it to be...

Joseph Blanche
JBlanche74@worldnet.att.net

Wednesday, May 28, 2003

To Kim and Jim's family, we send our condolences and thoughts, having met him when he visited England 3 years ago.

David and Sue Drury
nyewoods@ntlworld.com

Thursday, May 29, 2003

Nene told me that Jim Phelan died, that kind of news breaks your heart. Jimmy is in Heaven now. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

Kerri Baldwin
kerri@leebaldwinart.com

Friday, May 30, 2003

Friday, May 30, 2003

Aunt Peg, Ellen & everyone in the Phelan family. I was so sorry to hear about Jimmy's passing. He always seemed to be alot of fun the couple times I met him. Like a big kid! I just wanted you to know that my thoughts are with all of you in this trying time. It's been awhile since I've seen you all but I hope everyone is doing as well as they can be right now. Take care & know that our prayers are with you.

Sue, Ryan & Nicky Stoneback
swstony@aol.com

Friday, May 30, 2003

I'm Jim's niece. I'm going to type this as a goodbye/closure letter. No one in the family really got to say their last good-byes to Uncle Jim, we thought he would live forever because he had so much to live for. He was one of the happiest guys that I had ever met. He really brought the positive when he was with his family and friends.

The family parties we have about every weekend were always so much fun. My friends always make fun of me because our family has so many, but I love our family parties. Especially when Uncle Jimmy would show up, he would make everything much more exciting. When you would talk to my Uncle Jim, it seemed like you two were the only people in the room, because he was only interested in what you had to tell him at that time. He always made you feel like you were the guest of honor when you talked to him. He would always, like the rest of my family, need a hug and a kiss before anyone left a family event. I remember one time after a funeral we went to a restaurant. I was on Uncle Jim's lap and he was trying to kiss me on the cheek. Now I was about 6 or 7 then and I hated kisses. So I punched Uncle Jim right in the nose. When I punched him I gave him a bloody nose. I would always used to remind him of how I gave him that bloody nose, because it was a little joke between him and me.

He was famous for his family game nights. Whenever Uncle Jim was at a family party or a little get together, my sister, my cousin, and me would always ask him when we were going to play a game. He would get so excited when we asked him, he would say, "alright get everyone together and we're gunna play a game of Catch Phrase!" Catch Phrase is a game Uncle Jim is famous for, he is the one that taught us how to play it. We would all divide up into two teams, and we would all play the game. Sometimes it would take us a long time to just sit down and play because everyone needed a pair of glasses, or someone needed a glass of water. That glass of water probably would have gotten knocked down anyway because we would throw the disc that had the phrase in it so hard we almost knocked a couple people out during the game. The whole family would laugh so hard during the game, even though some of us were better at giving clues than others.

Everyone knows about Uncle Jim's love for sports. I remember him telling everyone that he would always open his pool up early so when the Eagles won a game he would go out and jump into the pool, even if the pool was 30 degrees. I thought he was crazy but he couldn't wait for the Eagles to win. I couldn't wait until he would ask me how I was doing on my softball or soccer team. I just could not wait to tell him because he would be so interested in how I was doing.

Uncle Jim loved being in the pool. Whenever he was at my house, his house, or someone else's house, he loved going into the pool. He would make the biggest splashes. He also didn't believe in using the stairs or the ladder that leads you into the pool. There was only one way in and that is, jumping. My family has an above ground pool and he has one at his house. One day when we were at my Uncle Jim's house he saw my brother get in the pool. He got up from where he was and he says, "Tom that's not how us big boys get into the pool." So he takes a couple steps back from the pool and runs and jumps right over the ledge of the pool. I laughed pretty hard when he did that. I thought my brother was going to hurt himself jumping into the pool like that, but he did it. Also when we were smaller he would always let us stand on his shoulders in the pool and he would throw us off his shoulders into the pool. You would go so high when he did that; it was better the any diving board at any swimming pool. We would always say, "Again, again!" No matter how much his shoulders and back probably hurt then he would throw us over and over again, just to see a smile on our faces.

I loved Uncle Jim so much, I just wish he could have stayed around a little longer. He lived for putting a smile on peoples faces. I know so many people loved him and everyone wishes he could have made us laugh just one more time. We will all see him again someday and when we do the first thing hell say is, I've got a great story to tell you. I love you Uncle Jim and so does everyone else.

Love,
Kate Smyser

Tuesday, June 3, 2003

I graduate with Jim from P.C.H.S. in 1969. He was so witty, excellent personality, great sense of humor and just an all-around nice guy. I hope that his family remembers the good times they shared with Jim, just like I will.

Regards,
Cecelia Michalowski
cmichal@atty.lacity.org

Tuesday, June 3, 2003

To the Phelan family AND Jim's companion,

I only knew Jim for a few years through employment. I am also an inspector only representing Pennsylvania D.O.T. In all my 58 years I have never met a more easy going, happy-go-lucky, all around really "nice guy". He really left his "mark" on this earth and on all the people who have had the pleasure to have known him. You have my heartfelt condolences and may GOD bless you all and Jim.

Allen L. Gwin
nickels95@shenhgts.net