July 19, 1952 ~ July 22, 2026
James Joseph Styles (Jimmy as he came to be known) was born on July 19th 1952 in Jersey City, NJ to James and Regina Styles (née Gavin). The family moved to Staten Island and settled in Eltingville on Ridgecrest Avenue in the early 1950s before moving their growing family to Acorn Street in Oakwood later that decade.
During those early years, Jimmy’s sense of exploration was cultivated. He developed a love for the outdoors which followed him the rest of his life. While attending PS 50 and IS 2, Jimmy was an active member of Pack and Troop 27 in Oakwood Heights. In 1966, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 14 as a freshman at Monsignor Farrell High School.
Jimmy worked as a summer camp counselor throughout high school at Ten-Mile River Scout Camp. During one summer working at the camp, he was fortunate enough to hitch a ride a few miles north to the Bethel, NY for the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, where his love of music was solidified.
After graduating from Monsignor Farrell in 1970, where he swam and ran track, Jimmy studied Bio-chemistry at Hunter College, where he also swam. After college, Jimmy pursued his Masters in Bio-chemistry while working at the Mount Saint Michaels Home for Children, formerly located on Arthur Kill Road. The home provided a safe place for education and growth for some of the city’s most at risk youth. During this time Jimmy saw how systematic and social failures could affect a generation of children, which greatly shaped his world view. It also ignited his lifelong devotion to education. Jimmy never stopped being an educator and worked at various times as a teacher at Borough Manhattan Community College (a job he always referred to as the best he ever had because of the difference he made) and St John’s University.
Jimmy started working full-time at the Institute for Basic Research (IBR) in the early 1980’s where he was published in research studies illuminating some of the earliest findings on Alzheimer’s Disease. After this, the vast majority of his career was spent working for the State of New York screening babies in utero for developmental diseases. Jimmy cared deeply for his work because he understood that it allowed people in his community to cope with some of the hardest diagnoses a family could ever receive. So much so, he became more politically active when state budget cuts threatened to shutter the work done at IBR in the 1990’s. A true child of the 1960s, Jimmy would organize with co-workers to protest and make trips to Albany to fight for the continuation of their work.
In the Fall of 1980, at a cousins wedding, Jimmy met Clare Howley and following an after-wedding meal at Perkins, he knew he’d found the woman he would spend his life with. And what a good choice he made.
Jimmy and Clare started their married life in a small apartment on Richmond Terrace before buying their first home on Bard Avenue. In 1988 they welcomed their only child James Thomas, and in 1994 Jimmy finally moved back to Oakwood. Across the street from his childhood house was an old ranch that he decided would become their forever home.
While his son grew, Jimmy naturally gravitated back to Boy Scouts and became very involved with Troop 27 again. He served as the Cub Scout Master in the 1990s and later Assistant Scout Master. He loved getting away for weekends and helping young boys reach potentials they may not have otherwise realized.
During the second half of his life Jimmy dealt with various health issues including kidney disease which necessitated multiple transplants and ultimately hemodialysis which he began in 2021.
In spite of his health challenges, Jimmy never let it affect his outlook on life and his family was his focus. Jimmy loved attending CYO basketball games, swim meets, chorus events, and especially science fairs to support James. He also loved going to jazz clubs and spending time with his son and daughter-in-law, Jordan. But most of all he adored his wife Clare, who stepped out of her comfort zone to entertain his half-thought-out outdoor adventures. Whether it was cold rainy nights on Mt Washington, or spending quality time stuck on a sandbar in a sailboat in Florida, Clare was always there to support him. As life become more complicated, he was always grateful to have her by his side.
Jimmy’s passions continued throughout the entirety of his life and included hiking in Harriman State Park and Great Kills Beach with his dogs (Rusty, Bailey, Guinness, Oli, and Ziggy), reading, listening to music, and birding.
Jimmy was predeceased in death by his parents, Jimmy and Regina Styles (née Gavin) and brother Christopher Styles. He is survived by his sister Susan Hall (née Styles, 1st Kidney Donor); Wife Clare Styles (née Howley; & 2nd Kidney Donor + Dialysis Nurse … I told you he made a good choice); along with son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Jordan Styles (née Quinn); and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Jimmy will be greatly missed – his stories, love, kindness, and positive outlook will always be remembered and deeply cherished.
“In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Jimmy’s name to the National Kidney Fund”
1289 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10302
Friday, July 24, 2026
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26 thoughts on “James Joseph Styles”
Heartbroken for Clare, James and Jordan and for all his family and friends. Jim was a warrior.
He will be sorely missed. May he Rest in peace.
Truly an honor to have known James through Scouting. He was a gentleman in every way: kind, thoughtful, tireless in his efforts to help lift others up, and deeply insightful. He was a gift to those who knew him.
Sincerest condolences to the bereaved.
May you rise in power, and Godspeed your way home brother Styles.
Deepest condolences to Clare and family on the sad loss of Jim. I will be thinking of you over the coming days
Go gcodlaí sé go suaimhneach i measc na Naomh
Jimmy will truly be missed..
Clare, James, Jorden:
All of you gave him a wonderful year and treasure those memories.
He was happy and able to see family and friends and kept up with the news on this big family.
He Loved all of you. No words will convey all that you did with him and for him.
He loved you all
Heartbroken for you Claire, James, Jordan and all the Howley & Styles families. We wil all miss him here in Ireland. Jim was a highly intelligent man, scientist, lover of Irish literature, avid reader, lover of all the arts and music, sports and most of all a great people person and conversationalist.
Codladh sámh Jim xx
My deepest sympathies for you Clair and James as well as your family. Im at a loss for words.
Although we didn’t know him very long, we connected instantly. A very special person with a large heart!! You will be extremely missed!!! Our condolences to his entire family!!!
Jimmy and I met in college and were lifelong friends. His spirit, friendship and support was a blessing. From the classroom to the lab to back packing in the mountains we shared a bond that spanned 5 decades. Our deepest condolences go to Claire, James, Jordan and the rest of the family.
Jimmy and I shared a friendship that spanned five decades. We first met in college and his spirit and friendship will be greatly missed. From the classroom to the lab to back packing trips in the mountains his support was ever present. We give our condolences to Claire, James, Jordan and the rest of the family and friends who loved him dearly.
Mr. Styles was a great man filled with wisdom
Knowledge and overall love for everyone he knew. Taught me so much about life and myself. He will
Be greatly missed
Old childhood friend … and time just stood-still when I read of Jim’s passing.
My sincerest condolences to Clare , the boys, and his extended family and friends.
I am heartbroken for you Claire, James, Jordan and all the Howley & Styles families at your sad loss. Jim was a very bright, intelligent man with a love of all things to do with science, sport, literature, reading, music, drama etc. Most of all, he was a great people person, conversationalist and a true gentleman.We will all miss him.Codladh sámh Jim xx
Sincere condolences to Clare,James and Jordan at the sad loss of Jim from Michael, Trish and Nicholas
Mr. Styles was one of the last great men who had a big hand in authoring our youth as a volunteer for Troop 27. I will never forget all the things he taught me, especially his kindness, and his mentorship. He was a GREAT man, may he rest in peace. My deepest condolences and prayers to his wife, Mrs. Styles, and his son James.
Our deepest condolences to the Stiles family, James made a huge impact on the kids that were in Scouts troop 27. I know that my son Jake Reader learned a lot from his guidance.
He was a very loving and caring man. May he rest an eternal peace.
The Reader-Ford Family
Mr Styles was truly a one of a kind. Full of wisdom and love. Always willing to give a helping hand. He’s helped me in many ways both during and outside of scouting that I will forever be grateful for. My deepest condolences to the entire Stiles family. He will forever truly be loved and missed.
This was a very,very special man.
Sincere condolences to Claire and James.
Clare,James & Jordan, so sad to hear of Jimmy’s passing.
I met Jimmy when I went to the US in the early 80’s . Jimmy made sure that we had a lovely summer, he brought us to many of the sights & brought us on trips upstate.
Jimmy was a kind , gentle , intelligent man.
A profound loss for his family, friends and the world. Smart, curious, engaging and a real gentleman. Despite his health issues, never heard him complain. I feel very fortunate to have known Jimmy. He will truly be missed.
I met Jim in college and remember fondly his and Claire’s Richmond Terrace apartment, the camping trips the day before opening day of trout season, the back packing trips upstate. He taught me so much about the love for the outdoors. I can still picture us just laying in the Beaverkill River without a worry and enjoying life. He had a great smile and infectious laugh. Though we hadn’t stayed in touch over the years, I’ll always remember those days with a smile. Our deepest condolences to Claire, James and Jordan.
Bill and Patti Pentangelo
Mr. Styles was a true natural born leader, he taught me at a young age in scouts what it takes to become an Eagle Scout. I spent years learning from his mentoring on camping trips, helping his son with his Eagle Scout Project, and then finally he came to help finalize my own project. I took lessons taught by him, as well as many other leaders within Troop 27, and began to understand what he taught me so many years ago. An Eagle Scout is someone who holds the knowledge and heart to help others in need, not because we are told to at a young age, but to do so because we have had the opportunity to learn and appreciate the mistakes we’ve made along the way. From Mr. Styles and even his son, James, I’ve learned what it truly means to be a leader in life. I’ve taken this knowledge with me through my military career, and have been able to share that same lesson with men and women serving our country. I’m extremely thankful to have known such an incredible person amongst many other great men within Troop 27 and all other aspects of scouting. I only hope to leave a legacy as graceful as he has in my own life. Rest in Peace, Mr. Styles and thank you for helping me shape myself into the man I am today.
My deepest condolences to Claire and James. I remember Jimmy from Egbert JHS.& when he left to go to MFHS. I went on to NDHS, but we reconnected years later when I met Claire at St. Vincent’s Hospital . Claire was the weekend floor clerk when I was a new nurse, later becoming one of the best nurses I worked with. Years later their son James and my son Matthew played CYO basketball together for St. Charles. When James and Matthew were making 1st Communion, I remember jimmy and I on line in church for confession. He couldn’t remember the Act of Contrition so I confided to him I had a copy & we brushed up on it together.
Claire, your steadfast love and devotion made Jimmy truly blessed.
My deepest sympathy. ❤️. May you Rest In Peace. Your friend from Saint Michael’s Home.
So sorry to hear of James’ passing. Such a great family is truly appreciated in this difficult time . Rest in peace .Sincere condolences for Claire,James and Jorden from the O’Farrell ,Lynch and Moriarty family
Dear Clare and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. I remember attending your wedding which seems like only yesterday. Clare, you did so much for Jimmy. He had the best care ever. I share in your grief. I lost my dear Lee 2 years ago to kidney disease and over whelming sepsis. I have already sent prayers up to heaven for you and your family and for Jimmy. If you ever need to talk, please feel free to call me. I know what a rocky road grief is and I am always willing to listen. Please take care of yourself. With love, Mary (Quince) Parathiras.