Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
James Gadiel Obituary
Tragedy — the death of his mother when he was 12 — was not what made James Gadiel, 23, an assistant trader at Cantor Fitzgerald, so sensitive to others.
He just seems to have always been that way.
When he was seven and, at the time, the largest boy in the class, Jamie Gadiel would pal around with the smallest boy in the class.
One day, the short kid slugged his big, best friend. The slugger's mother explained that it was the first time her son had ever felt emboldened to hit someone. And her son knew that Jamie was a safe target, because Jamie would never dream of hitting someone smaller than he.
Mr. Gadiel was the solicitous middle child, soothing his siblings. When his father, Peter, remarried, the boy bonded eagerly with his new siblings and their mother, Jan.
Although Mr. Gadiel came across as subdued, when he was with friends — male and female alike — he unleashed a dry, rip- snorting humor and a stubborn delight in debate.
He was politically conservative. His best buddy, Matt Schullery, is anything but. Genial Mr. Gadiel didn't mind.
He believed most differences could be set aside during a Saturday afternoon, watching a game together, hot dog in one hand, beer in the other.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cindy Roe
September 14, 2021
Remembering James on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Irene Peters
September 11, 2019
I recently found out that James was a distant relative of mine. May he rest in peace.
Geordy Johnson
September 12, 2015
Rest in peace James. I never knew you but wish we had had the opportunity to meet.
I was a freshman at W&L on 9/11/01. You were remembered.
September 11, 2014
I haven't forgotten you, friend.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
September 11, 2013
I went to school with James mother Ellen, and on this the 12th anniversary of 9/11, I would like his family to know I am thinking of them. James will never be forgotten. I'm sure he is with his mother now and is watching over his family.
Linda Klaproth - Poughkeepsie, NY
Nora Pierson
September 11, 2012
I think of you often.
September 11, 2011
I am a student at a university where a memorial was held this morning for the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Each of us received a card with the name of one victim, and we were asked to pray for the friends and family of this specific person. James Andrew Gadiel, you will not be forgotten.
Roy Burns
September 9, 2011
As a friend and fraternity brother of James, I would like to remember him publicly after 10 years of doing so privately with other friends and fraternity brothers.
James was a kind, warm hearted person who enjoyed a laugh above all else. I remember him as being one of the friendliest among all of my companions. He rarely had anything other than a good word to say and he was, in spite of being quiet among people he did not know, incredibly fun and social. My great friend Chip and I spent much time with James together as a group and one on one as well.
I often think about James and wonder what might have been. Chip and I were recently together, and I think about the changes that have occurred in both of our lives. We were all really man children then in that awkward stage after high school but before becoming true adults. Freedom without fear or worry of true consequence. We all experienced that together. Chip and I have now each married wonderful women. I have a boy, nearly 3 years old, and another child on the way due in February 2012.
James exists to me still as the gentle, fun soul I met in 1996, and yet I often think of him as a peer, a contemporary who is experiencing similar journeys as I. I know that's weird. But to me James will always be there.
I am so sorry that he isn't really here with his family and friends, part of that is selfish because he was such a great friend to those who knew him, but part of it is also wishing that he could have experienced the joys of being a husband, a father, of growing a little thick around the middle (and regretting it and fighting it!). It is fantastic grabbing your son and giving him a big hug and just loving him. He would have so enjoyed it with his own son or daughter. I would have too enjoyed his joy.
To James's family, I wish peace and the comfort of knowing what a gem James was to all who had the wonderful pleasure of knowing him well. I truly wish that you take comfort in knowing that James was beloved by all who knew him well enough to call him as friend.
Jamie R
June 23, 2010
I cant believe that this year will mark 9 years since the attack. Its unbelievable. I hope that you and your family have found peace. Although its never easy to return from something so tragic, God will help. We miss you and all the rest of the fallen angels & soldiers we lost.
Steven Horton
May 23, 2010
James,
You and I did not know each other in life, but I recently have had the privilege of speaking with your Father on the phone over matters relating to your final day at work. All I have to say is I hope your journey from New York City led you to a place of peace and happiness.
Kathryn Bondoux
January 2, 2010
James was the son of friends of mine. Peter and Jan I miss talking to you.
September 11, 2009
He was a true gentleman.
Barlow Newbolt
September 11, 2009
Although I did not know James personally, I would like to give condolences to his family and friends.
Megan Brodbeck, W&L Class of 2000
September 11, 2009
Wishing James' family and friends peace and comfort on this very sad anniversary.
September 11, 2009
Thinking of James today on the 8th anniversary. I was just another W&L alum, but his story touched me and still touches me. I believe that he is at peace and I hope that his family and friends have found some peace as well.
Angie Shealy
September 11, 2008
I didnt know James that well. We went to high school together and we sometimes were in the same circle because we had a mutual friend.
What I do remember of him was that he was always very nice, friendly and easy to be around.
Housy lost two alumni that day and my prayers go out to their families.
Mary Dunn
September 8, 2008
As the 7th anniversary of 9/11 comes around, I instantly think of James. I cross-stitched his square for the memorial flag and as I looked back on this book to Sept. 2002 to find my original posting, I am overwhelmed with emotion. It seems like yesterday that this horrid attack happened. Sometimes I think that people are forgetting what an impact it had on all Americans but especially those personally involved. That was the whole reason for doing a flag like this. We will never forget!
From what I have read about James, he was a kind, dear man and I wish I could have known him. He was just starting his life when it was cut short but, he will never be forgotten by his friends, family, and even me. If anyone who knew him personally sees this, I hope you are coping with your loss and know that I am still here thinking of him.
Kristine
October 25, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
October 10, 2006
In remembrance....
Carlos Santos
May 4, 2006
I lived on the same street as the Gadiels in the mid-eighties. My younger brother and James used to play together and I remember the time vividly. My deepest condolences go out to the Gadiel family.
Joan Molinaro
July 8, 2005
Hi Jamie,
We don't know each other, but I'm sure you know my son Carl. I have been working with your Dad for over 3 years now, so I feel I know you a little. Your Dad is working very hard to keep this country safe from another attack like 911. He is a wonderful man and you should be very proud of him. He talks about you with much love and great sorrow. I know well his feelings. Because of this horrible attack, I have met and made many new friends ( and as much as we like each other, we wish we had never met.) I'm honored to have met your dad and become friends/ working partner with him. Life for those of us left behind is hard. What keeps us going is the love we have for our sons.
Jamie, I wish I had had the chance to meet you. Know that you are missed and loved very much.
Cheryl McDowell
February 2, 2005
James, as a boy always stood out because of his smile. His whole face lit up. I always admired James for standing up for what he thought was right and following through on a task well done. Surely he and Ellen are hand in hand - memories of them to guide us in our daily choices. The tragedy of the horrors of 9/11 magnify day by day. Although I haven't seen James since he was a teen he is thought of every day and he is sorely missed.
Erika Cassutti
September 11, 2004
James was one of my first friends at W&L, and I am thankful for his kindness, friendliness, and his great spirit. I will never forget all the fun we had in the freshman dorms, and throughout our time in Lexington. God has found a wonderful angel in James.
Donna Cisz
March 2, 2003
I read your description of your son as having been "a terrific human being...a gentleman and a gentle man."
I saw a picture of Jamie, which captured his smile and conveyed the kindness in his eyes.
Words simply can not convey the sorrow I feel for you and your family.
You have my deepest respect and my promise that your son will never be forgotten.
Patricia Aeschlimann
September 12, 2002
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Gadiele,
I had the pleasure of knowing James pretty well.He spent a lot of time at my home with my son Scott. they were great friends in high school.
All a part of the Clan.James was a wonderful and very respectful young man and I will never forget him.
My heart goes out to you and your family.A more kind and caring family I have never had the pleasure of knowing.
Not only were you there for your own children, but you were also there for mine. I hope someday to be able to repay you for all of your kindness.
My thoughts and prayers are always with you all.
Fondly, Patricia Aeschlimann
Sabrina Aeschlimann
September 12, 2002
Jimmie always made me laugh, I never met a person like him. He was my brother's friend and he made always made me feel included with "The Clan". I will never forget him or the crazy things he used to do.
Michelle Dunn
September 12, 2002
I didn't know James very well, but from what I did know of him, he was a wonderful, caring and fun person. It is very difficult to lose someone that you love - especially someone so young with so much of his life left to live. I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Angel Martin
September 10, 2002
I didn't get to know James very well untill after high school. He was such a wonderful person, so fun to be around. I am so sad that he is gone, and I am so sorry for your loss.
Scott Aeschlimann
September 10, 2002
I miss James alot, more than I thought I did. I think of him almost everyday. I use him to make myself a better man and friend. James was the most unselfish person I have ever had the priviledge to meet. Thank you Jimmie
Paul Cortesi
September 3, 2002
I never had the privilage of meeting young James. I wish I had. Everything I have heard about this young man makes him sound like a person I would have liked to have known. God bless him, his family and friends.
Mary Dunn
September 2, 2002
I recently participated with a project to memorialize victims of terror over the past 30 years. I crosstiched an 8" x 10" square with the WTC on it. It was to memorialize James and bears his name. There are no words to express the sorrow I feel for all of the victims, but I hope that it may lift your spirits that someone somewhere was thinking of James and saying a prayer for his family.
Sincerely,
Mary Dunn
Suzy Alford
June 19, 2002
James was an outstanding friend and a remarkable young man in so many ways. Darrick and I miss you so much, but are so thankful for the good times that we had with you.
Suzy Alford, W&L '00
Angie Campbell
April 26, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the ones that you left behind on 9/11/01. Rest in his loving peace..........
Kathryn Bondoux
April 3, 2002
Dear Jan and Peter... I wish that James had been able to come and stay with us while he was in San Francisco and we had known him a little. You are both wonderful, loving, caring people and my heart goes out to you both. I don't understand why the kindest most thoughtful people have so much tragedy in their lives but know that I care deeply about you both. Love Kathryn and Jim
Judi Stokes
March 25, 2002
Peter and Jan,
What a wonderful and touching tribute to your son. Having come to know the both of you, I know that he, too, must have been a very special, kind and caring person. Bless you all.
January 19, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON JAMES
ANDREW GADIEL AND MAY HIS SOUL REST
IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS.
HE WAS TOO YOUNG TO DIE...THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN...GOD BLESS HIS
FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..AMEN
Jenn Stec
January 7, 2002
Gadiel Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember you often in prayer.
J.Stec
W&L c/o 1996
Teresa Jahn
January 1, 2002
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Musser Hall @Ursinus College
December 5, 2001
We just wanted to give our sympathies and let you know that you are not alone during this time of tragedy. May God be with you, and we wish you a Merry Christmas! You will never be forgotten!!
Robert N. McDowell
December 5, 2001
May God be with him and his family in this time of sorrow.
Alta Ford
October 30, 2001
My prayer for his family and friends; that the Lord Jesus will watch over, protect and comfort them during their time of sorrow.
Kim Slater
October 18, 2001
My prayers are sent up everyday. May the angels surround you.
Showing 1 - 42 of 42 results
Make a Donation
in James Gadiel's name
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Gadiel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored