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James Giancola Obituary

GIANCOLA, JAMES F., 55 - of North Wildwood, passed away Wednesday, November 28, 2007. Jim was born & raised in Farmingdale, New York. He spent over eight years in the US Navy serving aboard a nuclear missile submarine and various other assignments. After attending and graduating from Montana State University with a BA degree, he continued his military career with the US Coast Guard. Jim retired from the Coast Guard in 1996. His final tour having been at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May. Many locals came to know Jim from the period he worked as an instructor at the Gym at 10th Street in N. Wildwood. Jim also worked for Prudential Insurance Co. as a financial representative. He left that employment and went to work for Atlantic Cape Community College in which he worked in a program assisting Atlantic County jail inmates prepare for employment following incarceration. As fate would have it, Jim ended up full circle returning to the coast guard training center as a civilian working in the transportation department until his civilian retirement due to medical reasons. Jim fought a battle with cancer which he eventually succumbed to. Jim always kept a positive attitude and was grateful for the life he had lead. He is survived by his sister, Pietrina and her husband Joe, his son Mark and nephews Billy and Mike. Jim considered his family to include his former spouse Gina Sanguinetti, step daughters, Shannon Kelly, Stephanie Pecora, Brandi Sanguinetti and stepson Eric Sanguinetti. Brothers Rich and Eugene "Sarge" Sangunetti and wives Donna and Sue, niece & nephews Andrea, Michael and Joseph, and parents Gene and Rita Sanguinetti, all held a special place in his heart and his thoughts. Funeral services will be held Tuesday 11am at the Ingersoll-Greenwood Funeral Home, 1201 Central Ave., N. Wildwood, where friends may call from 10 am. Interment is private. Donations in Jim's memory to the North Wildwood Children's Fresh Air Home, in care of Judy Hensel, 111 Walnut Ave., Haddonfield, N.J. 08033 would be appreciated. Arrangements are by Ingersoll-Greenwood Funeral Home.

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Published by The Press of Atlantic City on Dec. 1, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
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Peter A Waskiewicz

November 25, 2024

Jim, thinking of you my friend. All Hail Yukon... Yeahhhhh!!!

lorraine calabrese

November 25, 2019

So many years gone but forever in my heart and thoughts .

Bill Edie

October 23, 2012

Jim I,ve looked for You for so long and to find you now really hurts. I'll never forget You, thanks for taking Me under your wing. To know You was an honor.

Steve Walsh

September 1, 2008

I am so very sad to hear the death of my good friend Jim. Even though we had lost touch over the years, I was quite shocked to read of his passing in the Retired Newsletter. Jim was a wonderful person - I met him when he just entered the Coast Guard and stationed with me at SUPRTCEN Seattle in the early 80's. I signed him in when he recently enlisted. He immediately got me hooked in the gym and to this day, I continue to go 3 days a week as I see him still "pushing me" to do more. We had some great times in Seattle back then - Yukon Jack in the Bear Room, dancing at the "White Shutters" and just hanging out. Good Bless Jimbo... you have opened "Jim's Gym" in heaven and working everyone out in that special place!

We salute you Yukon Jim!

May 13, 2008

Always lookin' good!

May 13, 2008

Not a day goes by that I don't think of you.

May 13, 2008

Our angel in heaven.

May 13, 2008

Jim loving the cruise.

May 13, 2008

Steve and I with Jim on our wedding day(Jim's birthday),June 30, 2006

May 13, 2008

Jim Giancola

May 13, 2008

Brandi Sanguinetti

January 1, 2008

Today marks 10 years ago that I met Jim. He was the friendly life of the party doing shots of Yukon on New Year's Eve. I miss him so much; I wish I could call him to welcome in 2008. I'll be thinking of Jim every New Year which will not be the same without him.

Laura Faia

December 31, 2007

The gym is not the same without you Jim - no one else ever asks how my workout is going. You were the first person I ever met there and you will be missed. Happy New Year!
Love, Laura

Stephanie Pecora

December 25, 2007

Missing you so much right now! Merry Christmas.

Andrea Sanguinetti

December 17, 2007

To my Uncle:
Not my blood uncle, but that never mattered. I can't remember what life was like before I met you. It always seemed as though you were always here, in this family. In my eyes, you were a Sanguinetti.
You were never greedy or selfish. You were always greatful and appreciative. Our connection was movies. How we loved exchanging box office hits when they came out on DVD. It upsets me that I can never share such a passion for movies with anyone else, because you understood what was so great about the movies I shared with you. Your always in my heart. There isn't a day that goes by when I see a movie preview and think to myself, "Uncle Jim would love that movie!"
Love You and Miss You,
Andrea

December 7, 2007

Working in a doctors office every once in a while a patient comes along that just stands out and you just can't help but like and admire. This was James. He simply amazed our office staff with his fight to not let this disease take him down and the most positive attitude I have ever seen. He was the easiest person to get along with and you could just tell he had no bad words for anyone. He will be greatly missed but always admired and remembered. It is true that only the good die young. My thoughts and prayers go out to James' family.

Sherri (Dr. Udani's Office)

Kim Mancuso

December 7, 2007

Jim, A great friend & inspiration!!
We have sooo many great memories: Popcorn & Yahtzee til 3am; M.L, Yukon, Tombstone (over & over); Many Holidays, in & out of our connecting back doors, Catskills in Aug. (ugh)-when the goat ate my shorts, flying tents & falling trees; poison sumac, tubing, NYE, A.C., doing the macarana, the Gym (Linda falling of the stairs). I could go on forever, but I know your already laughing. I'm greatful for having known you. You are a huge part of my life & I will remember you always, the way you would want. I'll concentrate on all the happy times. You can really let your fro grow now. ha! I love you Jim. Say hello to Noel & Butch.

Amy Pearson

December 6, 2007

Jim never failed to amaze me, from the first time we met to the last time we all went to dinner. He always had a story or just made me laugh, I can honestly say he was one the strongest men I have ever met! He was so easy to talk to about anything and always had great advise...that I always took! The courage that he had in the end will always have a place in my heart because the only courage that matters is the kind that takes you from one moment to the next. Jim touched each and everyone of us in his own unique way and will be terribly missed.

Eric Sanguinetti

December 5, 2007

Jim was an amazing individual full of life and character. He entered my life and I didn't know what it meant to have a father. He changed that and made me the man I am today. He was always there and would've gave you the shirt off of his back if you needed it.
We worked on so many house projects together. We used to have catches, which obviously is a big deal to a boy with 3 sisters. We played video games and watched movies and I'll never forget his laugh. We were like brothers, but he was my father. He made me into a man and shaped my character, thereby instilling the same values he lived by. I can recall with perfect detail of him and his actions. He was a great friend and I owe him so much. I just wish I could've said to him in the future, "Look Jim, I'm an Army officer now, thanks for supporting me. Or, "Hey Jim, this is my wife, isn't she lovely?" However, I won't ever be able to say that to him. I never got to give him a final goodbye, didn't tell him one last time that I loved him. I never called you Dad, Jim, but you were everything a dad should be and then some. Everyone tells me how proud you were of me, but I'm really gonna make you proud one day and you can look down from Heaven and smile upon me and know you helped make me who I am. I love you, I'll always miss you.

Sue & Bill Rangnow

December 4, 2007

Jim you will be missed. It was great knowing you and calling you a friend. We had a few good new years eve partys. You were a kind,loving and funny guy. Hope to meet up with you in heaven. Farewell Yukon Jim

December 4, 2007

To Jim's family and friends; Jim would have loved for me to miss his service today as I have been in Texas watching one of Jim's "other family" graduate from boot camp in the U.S. Air force. My son BJ used to bring a smile to Jim's face (as did all kids) with his antics when he would come over to our office on the Training Center in Cape May. Jim and I were partners in the Recruiter School for three years working with and for great people. Going over to the Chief's club talking curriculum (really Mr. Kunec that's what we were doing), going to Grand Haven, Michigan to play softball, traveling the country visiting Recruiting Offices. Never a bad word about anyone and a smile for all. Conroy, JB, Lefty, Wayne, Bernie, we all had great times playing softball together, working together, and partying together. A better man I can't remember meeting. Jim; Conroy and I will be toasting you real soon.
Love,
Brian

Brian Smith
Co-Chief, Recruiter Training School
Cape May 1992-1997

Kori Zahn

December 4, 2007

I heard many things about Jim in the years I've been friends with Shannon, and now Stephanie. Many wonderful things. Jim- the way people who love you speak of you is a testament to the wonderful person you were. I was lucky enough to get a very short but very powerful moment with you in your last days. I will never forget our talk... I said it then and I'll say it again, you remind me of my own father (my hero), in so many ways. I can see why you were a hero to so many people in your life. I know how much you are missed already. God bless, Heaven has a new angel... I'll help keep an eye on your girls down here :)

Lorraine and Joe

December 4, 2007

To the Sangunetti Family:
You are a very special family.
Jims service was a beautiful tribute to his life.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lorraine

December 4, 2007

To My Dear Friend, As I sat today and listened to the tributes of a great man I realized not only were you a wonderful friend, but you stood alone as a father. Anyone can father a child but to hear the love from the children you chose to love made you a man among men.
Every Friday at 6:25 you would come through the gym doors and I would hear "Laarraine" with that unforgetable smile. You always had a shoulder for me to cry on ,which I used alot, a laugh that would make my day, and strong words when I needed them.
I will miss you very much.
Goodbye my friend until we meet again.

Walter Fabiszewski

December 4, 2007

As I sit here getting ready to come and say goodbye to you for the last time, I am reflecting on what a positive impact you had on all who were fortunate to know you. Whether it was an encouraging word at the gym, a sympathetic ear or just a plain old smile, you touched the lives of many more than you can imagine. Although we will all miss you, this should be a day of celebration that you are back home with the Lord.

Edward Melega

December 4, 2007

Although I never served alongside Jim in the CG, I knew he truly inspired everything good to his fellow man and made the Chief corps proud. My sincere sympathy to his family and CG community.

Dona Kacerek

December 4, 2007

I will always remember Jim from the smile on his face, to hearing his laugh, and the twinkle in his eyes. He was a wonderful man who touched many people, he will be truly missed. Every time I watch the Green Bay Packers I will be thinking of you, Jim.

Doug Quinley

December 4, 2007

Thinking of the mountains and glaciers around Juneau AK where we both served. Praying that your journey has brought you to a place that exhibts that same peace and beauty. May you always have fair winds and following seas!!

Your friend Doug Q

Mike Conroy

December 3, 2007

You will me missed as a brother, shipmate, father, and special friend to the many who had the honor to know you. We salute you Jim (Yukon Jack) for letting us be a part your life. I will always have the memories of the great times we shared.

Kathy Joynes

December 3, 2007

I had the honor and great pleasure of working with Jim. We were more than co-workers we were family, Jim, Frank and I. We all had different personalities but we have a bond that will last forever. Jim will be forever in our hearts and memories. Jim touch my life in many ways he was someone, I could talk with about anything, he was always that face of sunshine when I arrived in the mornings for work. He will be greatly missed and loved by all. May God Bless his family and friends! You were all truly love by Jim so much that I feel I know you all personally.

Michael Dudnick

December 3, 2007

you were an inspiration to many, the way you lived your life and th way you battled cancer. You were truely a fighter and a role model for us.

Herman Bechtler

December 3, 2007

Jim was a special man, a great shipmate, a really good friend, and a Chief’s Chief. He’ll never be replaced and will be missed by everyone that was ever lucky enough to know him. For me, Jim was more then a teammate and an associate he was somebody I could lean on, somebody I could always trust and confide in. He always seemed to be able to lift my spirits. I couldn’t be with him at his retirement but because it was Jim I made arrangements to be in port and call him so we I could toast his career from North Carolina. Jim, I’m with you!

Howard Moss

December 3, 2007

I am truly sorry for the loss of such a great shipmate. I will not be able to attend the service due to work, but my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Rick Hersey

December 3, 2007

Last time I said goodbye to you, Jim, was at the Chief's Club in Cape May many years ago. We were both heading to Washington...sort of. I had orders to D.C. and you were retiring to Jump-Off-Joe Lake. Besides being Poster-Boy for all things military, you were a friend to all, always cheerful and optimistic, never hesitating to help where needed. I wish I could fall in with J.B. and crew for their proper salute to you, Jim, but I'll have to settle for manning the rail to render you honors from down here in Florida. We extend to you our friendly Raccoon greeting. See ya' later there, Nitz.

Marie Kayati

December 3, 2007

My last gig before retirement was recruiting at TRACEN Cape May with Jim. Jim had already forgotten more than I would ever know about recruiting. God Bless.

Peter A Waskiewicz

December 3, 2007

To a man with the biggest heart that anyone could have, your love, friendship, caring, smile & wisdom touched us in so many difference ways and we will remember the great memories that you have given to each & everyone of us. You have showed us the strength and courage to fight and to live life to the fullest and to never to give up. Jim I'll miss you, but I will see you again in Heaven and we will sit down and have some Yukon. My prayers are with you.

John Barr, Chief (Ret.)

December 3, 2007

To the Giancola family, what a guy! I'm very sorry for your loss. To the Chief's of Cape May, if you didn't know Jim your loss, he was a beauty! I request you fall in ranks and honor this Chief who has crossed the bar. We will toast his life with the last bottle of Yukon that Jim drank from. You know he will be there with us to ensure we do it the right way, the Jim Giancola way!

Christina Newdeck

December 3, 2007

My condolences to you, your family and this community for the loss. Glory to God Jim is no longer in pain.

Tammy Walch

December 3, 2007

I am so glad I had the honor of knowing such an amazing person! People will always come and go in your life but it's the memories they leave with you when they go! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family!

Alexandra Ozolins

December 3, 2007

I can't even describe in words how much of a wonderful person Jim was. He was a person who could put a smile on my face whenever I was down. I have never met a more kind hearted person. When I found out I was devastated because how could a person who has touched so many people's lives be taken away. I know in my heart that Jim is now in a better place where he feels no more pain. I have gotten through this tragedy by remembering all the good times that Jim has given me and through that his memory will live in my heart forever.

Stephanie Pecora

December 2, 2007

I talk to you every day already. Thoughts of our times together make me smile and bring out a good laugh. I know thats how you would want it to be.. I know I can wish that you were here a little bit longer, but it brings me so much comfort knowing that we will meet again! I love you with all my heart. Thanks for always being a dad!

Angel Fox

December 2, 2007

Grandmom & Grandpop now have met Jim! You know Aunt Mary & Aunt Chris will introduce the rest of the family to him. We're glad his pain has ended. There are no words I can think of at this time. Losing family is the worse that can happen. So sorry we can't be with everyone, but hope to see you soon.
Love, Angel & Bert

Mark Giancola

December 2, 2007

As Jim's final moments were passing and becoming memory, a hand touched my shoulder, and a voice was heard to say,

"He was a hell of a guy, wasn't he?"

No truer words have ever been spoken.

A powerful and imposing man on the outside, the company he leaves behind suggest something equally powerful on the inside.

With the help of all of you, this strong man, fought a brave battle that ended in what I can only describe as a draw. We may have lost him to the cancer, but it is my firm beleive that my father lost to nothing.

He will be greatly remembered....and greatly missed.

Matthew and Christine Mattera

December 2, 2007

Jim will always be remembered as a strong man of body and heart. When the doctors told him he wouldn't make it much longer, he proved them wrong and gave us all a gift. A gift of more time spent with a great man. I like to think the world is a better place because of that time. If not just for those who knew him. Now let's all raise a shot of Yukon and give our friend a fond farewell. You will be missed!

Amber Gott

December 2, 2007

For anyone that met Jim he was part of your family. He gave so much of his heart to everyone that he encountered. Times like these are extremly hard because we would like to have him here with us. But remember that he is not in pain anymore. For me this is very very hard because I loved you so much Jim you will be missed so much! I loved you and I cant wait until I see you again someday! I take comfort knowing that we all have a guardian angel up above watching over us!! And to anyone that knew him, this is easier said than done because he touched so many of us. but NO more tears. He would not want us to cry over him, he never did. We will all see him one day soon. Until we meet again Yukon Jim...

Lisa Craven

December 1, 2007

To a true man that has touched so many people in his own special way. He will be greatly missed. His many fond memories will be the wind beneath our wings.

Torsten & Amy Denke

December 1, 2007

To Shannon and her family...
So sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Shannon Kelly

December 1, 2007

To My Stepfather Jim: You will be forever missed and loved. I will never forget the impact you had on us or any other person you came in contact with throughout your life. You were definitly the man who i was proud to call my "stepdaddy" We had wonderful times together and Ill never forget the time we went to the Borgata and you taught me how to play roulette and we both won a lot of money. Next time i will play one of your lucky numbers. I miss you Jim and one day I will be with you again

Brandi Sanguinetti

December 1, 2007

Jim became the father I always wanted, and while our time together was short, we'll have a joyful family reunion celebrating in God's glory. I miss him so much; he was a parent and a inspiring friend.

Louie and Patty Vazquez

December 1, 2007

Dear Brandi, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your stepfather. May God bless you and yours during this difficult time. Love, Louie and Patty (From Adam's Restaurant)

Sarge Sanguinetti

December 1, 2007

Anyone that knew Jim would know that he was such a unique person. He was a wonderful father, pop-pop, brother, friend, and workout partner. Our lives are shattered without him, there is such a void there now. We will always have the great memories to keep us strong.
Until we meet in Heaven Jim, you and Juice can start without me. I'll catch up on the next set. Remember buddy, "One more rep"!

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