James M. Paras, of Elm Park, a retired Custodian of St. Adalbert Church and St. Adalbert Parochial School, who was devoted to his family and friends, died October 23, at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC, after a valiant struggle with heart disease and its complications.
Born and raised in Staten Island, he graduated from Port Richmond High School in 1973 and pursued an initial interest in pharmacy at Staten Island Community College. However, it was his love of working with his hands and being close to family that would ultimately reset the course of his career.
At Acme Supermarket, he was a Store Clerk and, most notably, a night-shift Stockroom Supervisor, where he performed a wide variety of duties, including inventory audit and ordering and stocking merchandise supplies and equipment. After a short stint at Walbaum’s, he landed himself in his own community backyard as Custodian of St. Adalbert Church and Parochial School, where he worked for 29 years, being affectionately known as “Big Jim” by virtue of his size and, more importantly, his heart. There he performed a diversified list of duties with an impressive knowledge of standard cleaning methods and equipment used in custodial work.
His many talents included bowling, pool, “sandlot” softball on the athletic side, being a cartoonist and caricaturist on the artistic side and, on the entertainment side, doing crossword puzzles in ink, being a film and TV show aficionado and home-grown, domestic DJ (known as “Rockin’ DJ Jim”), who would “spin” an elaborate mix of 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s religiously every Saturday night from his vast collection of CDs and home-recorded cassette tapes. Generously, he would devote time to gifting family and friends with a homemade compilation of requested songs by year, artist or preference, personalizing each with a larger-than-life “Rockin’ DJ Jim” introduction, a trademark of his radio “persona”. His love of all things Irish dubbed him the name of the “Polish Irishman”. His love of all things Halloween, Dark Shadows and horror movies dubbed him the name of a “true” Master of Horror. But his kindness, patience, strength, courage and loving nature dubbed him the highest honor of all: the names of “Gentle Giant” and “Mighty Oak” for which he will always be remembered.
Predeceased by his father, Emil Paras, and his mother, Rita (Rzymkowski) Paras, he is survived by his sister, Barbara Paras, and his sister Eileen Montgomery and family (Joe, Ryan and Emily).
“At the end of life, what really matters is not what we bought but what we built;
not what we got but what we shared;
not our competence but our character;
and not our success, but our significance.
Live a life that matters.
Live a life of love…”
(Credit: Lessons Taught By Life)
Jimmy sleeps with the Angels…
Service
Memorial Mass
St. Adalbert's R.C. Church
337 Morningstar Road, S.I.N.Y. 10303
October 30, 2021
10:00am
Diane Rivera says
To our dear friends Eileen, Joe, Ryan, Emily, Barbara and extended family…may your cherished memories of Jim give you comfort and solace now and for years to come. Love Diane, Justo, Sarah and Rebecca
Chrissy says
My heart goes out to all of the family. I only wish I could be there with you guys. Jimmy suffered so much these past few years, now there is no more pain. Hugs to all of you.❤️❤️❤️
Patty and Steve says
We are so sorry to hear about Jimmy’s passing. He was a kind man and will be missed by many. Im sure he was greeted in Heaven by all the Aunts. Love and Prayers to the family.
Ed Morand says
Jim lives in the hearts of all who knew him whether for many years, or only recently. He couldn’t wait to help you in any way he could. At the end of even the smallest task he did your you, you were rewarded with his trademark smile, always reminding me of a young John Wayne. Jim fulfilled what the lord taught all of us: “Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me.” Make me a pina colada, Jim. I’ll meet you as soon as the lord calls me. BTW make one for Betty too, no booze.
Pam says
Eileen and family,
Our hearts and prayers are with all of you as you celebrate the life and love of Jimmy. May he find peace and comfort at the banquet in heaven with all his family and loved ones.
Love to you all! The Stevenson’s
Herb says
Miss watching horror films, and the Twilight Zone with Jim on Friday nights,
And Sundays, also good times at my parties. Now , an empty chair on Fridays,
But God has a good reason, prayers out to him, and family. Herb
Manny says
Just read about Jim , and as sad as I am to read about his passing , it also brought back many memories . Jim was a good friend , and the Paras family extended themselves to me always . May he rest peacefully . To Barbara and Eileen my sincere condolences .
Anne Kot Gross says
Eileen and Barbara,
I was so sad to read about Jimmy’s passing.
The first thing I thought of were the times we all had swimming in your backyard pool. Great memories. Jimmy was such a fun guy, kind, and always had a cheerful hello for me. Know that I am thinking of you both. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Anne Kot Gross
Ursula says
Eileen and Barbara,
I have such happy memories when I think of Jim. Big Jim always looked after me in the school yard and whenever you would see him in school his had a huge smile on his face! Very sadden to read this.