Obituary of Thomas Joseph James

Thomas Joseph James passed away Tuesday, October 24, 2023. He was surrounded by the ones he loved. 

Thomas (Tom) was born in New York, NY on July 14, 1941 to Catherine and Roy James. He spent his early years living in Astoria, Queens and, as a young man, studied at Parsons School of Design. 

Tom fell in love and married Rosanne Colletti on February 19, 1966. Their marriage spanned 58 incredible years and was the true definition of a love story. His undying devotion to his wife was most visible through these last 15 years as he selflessly cared for her during her difficult battle with Cancer.  

Tom and Rosanne started their family in Queens, NY with the birth of their first son Thomas Jr. in 1971. The family soon moved to Long Island where their second son, David, was born in 1975. They spent 13 years in their home in Muttontown - Celebrating holidays and countless family milestones. In 1986, Tom's career relocated him to New Jersey and the family settled in Franklin Lakes. This would be the last place he called home. 

To know Tom James was to love him. He was kind and generous with a razor-sharp sense of humor - And his work ethic was unparalleled. Wanting to make sure his family felt the security of a well-providing patriarch, Tom worked as a graphic designer for some of the most well-known snack brands in the world. He worked at LifeSavers-Bubble Yum, Nabisco, Kraft, Pinnacle Foods and Gerber to name a few. He ended his corporate career as a Director of Graphic Design for The Nestle Corporation in 2017.

But early on Tom knew he wanted even more for his wife and sons. In 1980, Tom started his own graphic design firm, Lansing Graphics. For over two decades, Tom could be found in his home studio until all hours of the night and on weekends completing freelance projects for personal corporate clients - Many of whom became lifelong friends. With keen a eye for design and elite talent, Tom was known and loved by so many in his professional world. 

He ultimately retired at the age of 75 and left behind an unparallelled legacy. In short, Tom James was a legendary trailblazer in the creative package design field. 

Tom enjoyed many things, most notably: traveling with his family (especially cruises), doting on his five grand children, attending live sporting events, DIY home projects, tending to his yard, collecting change (but NO PENNIES!), quoting his favorite movies, caring for his his many pets, complaining about the NY Jets and telling anyone who would listen how beautiful his bride was.

Tom is survived by his wife, Rosanne, his two sons, Thomas and David, his daughter in law Dana, his five Grandchildren,  Devin, Peyton, Connor, Ryan and Molly and countless family and friends who loved him dearly. Tom was a loving husband, a supportive father, a proud grandfather (Pop), a dear uncle to a large extended family and a loyal friend.

Services will be held in Oakland, NJ on Friday, October 27th from 3-7pm and in Woodside, NY on Saturday, October 28th. Details included below.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to:

Parkinson's Donations in Memory - Cure Parkinson’s

Thomas James was excited to hear about a recent breakthrough concerning a potential cure for Parkinson’s.  It would mean so much to him and our family if a donation in his name (in lieu of flowers) lead to future lives being spared of this horrible disease.

NJ WAKE:

Friday, October 27

3pm to 7pm

Oakland Memorial Home

330 Ramapo Valley Road

Oakland, NJ 07436

NY WAKE & BLESSING by Priest

Saturday, October 28

9am to 11am

Conway Funeral Home

41-45 58th Street

Woodside, NY 11377

FUNERAL/BURIAL

immediately following Saturday wake (11:30am) - Across the street from Conway Funeral Home at Calvary Cemetery