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BORN
1950
DIED
2023
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James "Jim" Schembari Obituary
James Gerard Schembari, 73, of Brick, New Jersey, passed at home on August 17, 2023. Known as “Jim” by his friends and loved ones, he was born on March 27, 1950, to parents John Paul Schembari and Catherine Kellerman Schembari in West New York, New Jersey. Jim attended Brick High School and served in the United States Navy where he was trained as an Aviation Machinist, Plane Captain, and Search and Rescue Team. After military service, his career brought him to the railroad where he worked for Conrail and New Jersey Transit and later as an ironworker for New Jersey Iron and Suffill Welding. On November 14, 1971, he was married to his soul mate, Donna DiBenedetto. Their marriage of 51-years, blessed them with their three children- Tara Porbansky (husband Chris Porbansky), Kerri Eckelman (husband Duane Eckelman), and Jon Paul Schembari. The light of Jim’s life came from his bond with his four grandchildren- Hailey Eckelman, Ryan Eckelman, Rowan Porbansky, and Raiden Porbansky. He was the best Poppy of all the Poppys.
He is survived by his wife and children, as well as his four siblings Linda Lepore (husband Phil Lepore), Robert Schembari (wife Randi Schembari), William Schembari (wife Sandy Schembari), Susan Carbone, many nieces and nephews, and a lifetime of friends that were like family.
Jim always stayed active and could be found on the softball field as both a player and USSSA umpire. On and off the field, nobody messed with Jim Schembari! While raising his children, he found a passion for coaching soccer, where he influenced and mentored countless young players. In his later years, he found joy in golfing with his closest buddies and some might say he wasn’t half-bad.
He is pre-deceased by his parents, brothers Thomas Rusch and John Schembari, sister Patricia Price, and brother-in-law John Carbone.
Every title that Jimmy held, he held with love, passion, and kindness. He spent his life as a loving husband, devoted father, the rock of his family and a pillar to his siblings. He has been an amazing grandfather, present in every way, and stepped up as a dedicated foster dad in his last few years. A void will be left in the hearts of his family, friends, and loved ones that can never be filled. He will live on in the memories we will cherish and the stories we will tell.
Visitation will be held at Weatherhead Young Funeral Home on Thursday, August 24th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. (885 Mantoloking Road, Brick, NJ 08723).
Memories and Condolences
for James "Jim" Schembari
Jill Salzmann Wortche
October 10, 2025
Such a nice guy. I remember Jimmy from grade school and Brick High. He and Johnny also took the same bus to school every day. It’s been many years, but some people are in our memories forever.
Michael Keith
August 15, 2025
Rest in peace brother. You will continue to be Donna's guiding light. God bless you and your family !
Randi States-Schembari
February 25, 2025
We miss you everyday Jimmy! You were a wonderful brother -in -law & we miss you everyday!
Marilyn Lago
August 15, 2024
He was such a down to earth gentle man.
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John Dowd
September 4, 2023
You guys all know how Jim was. I don't even know what to say. We did so many good and fun things together it breaks my heart to think about it.
Very sorry for your loss guys.
Sincerely,
John Dowd
Richard Stocker
August 28, 2023
Sympathies to the entire shembari family from the whole Stocker family and nj transit conrail workers,use your pass to get right to heaven non stop trip. Rest in peace
Joyce
August 23, 2023
Remembering all the great times in h.s. R.I.P old friend Joyce
Lisa (DeGeorge) Graham
August 23, 2023
Dearest Donna...Sending you and your children my condolences. May your happy memories of Jim's love provide comfort for all of you.
Love, Lisa (DeGeorge) graham
Pat Crosta Lepore
August 23, 2023
Donna,
I am sorry for your loss. Praying that tears turn to smiles as you remember his life. Please send my regards to the family.
Pat Crosta Lepore
Pat Crosta Lepore
August 23, 2023
Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. May the memories bring smiles to your family.
Pat Crosta
Odette Bittenbinder
August 23, 2023
My sincere prayers and condolences dear Donna and the entire family.
May you find some peace knowing that others are praying for you. Jimmy was such a wonderful gentleman. May he rest in peace.
Odette (Ruban) Bittenbinder
Randi States Schembari via Lauren & Robbie Schembari
August 22, 2023
Dear Uncle Jimmy,
You were so kind and loving to Robbie and I during our our visit to New Jersey during one of our summer vacations. Thank you for always making us feel special and know how much we love you. Our one wish is that we could have spent more fun times with you! Love,
Lauren & Robbie Schembari
Marilyn Lago
August 22, 2023
My deepest condolences. Jim was my guiding light in helping me become an usher at Visitation Church. He was always sincere, kind & compassionate. My prayers go out to the family. A true loss for our community.
Randi and Bob Schembari
August 22, 2023
Anyone who was lucky enough to know our brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend James (Jimmy) Schembari, is feeling a huge void in their lives after learning of his passing. He was the rock of the family & we will miss him everyday that passes. Jim was the kindest man & always there to crack a joke, brighten someone´s day, or kick a soccer ball around. He has always been the "favorite" uncle to our kids and always had a a smile on his face. We wish we didn´t live so far away from the family but tried to get together whenever we could. He will be so greatly missed! We love you Jimmy and we´ll miss you every day!
Michael F Keith
August 22, 2023
What a man !
God bless "Jim" and his entire family. Donna will be the "glue" that will continue to keep everyone together with the strength that she undoubtedly retained from 51 years of marriage with the original "Rock". May God have mercy on his soul.
Tracey k
August 21, 2023
Donna the time I spent in your home I was lucky to share Jim's love for his family, and that contagious smile. He will be missed. You and your family are in my heart and prayers.
Karin Shapiro
August 21, 2023
Dear Tara & Chris,
Rowan ,Raiden May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Sending my deepest
Condolences.
Love, Aunt Karin
Pamela Capone Hughes
August 21, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Jimmy´s passing. He was one of a kind....a big Teddy bear with a heart filled with love. I knew him since we were little and I never saw him in a bad mood. He was always upbeat and if you were down, he always left you with at least a smile on your face but usually laughing!
My prayers and love offered up for you Donna, your children, grand-children and the entire Schembari family.
Rest in peace, Jimbo!
Jill Miciak niehus
August 21, 2023
So sorry for your family´s loss, always remember him fondly from the soccer sidelines cheering us on. I´m sure he will be missed. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Jill Miciak
Diane Quillin Smith
August 21, 2023
I´m lost for words after hearing of Jimmy´s passing. His wife Donna & I met through catechism classes at the Visitation and have remained friends to this day. Jimmy married Donna right after high school and our friends spent many a weekend at their house in Shore Acres because they had HBO. Jimmy put up with all of Donna´s friends but I know he enjoyed it. I will miss him so much.
Vivian Spector
August 21, 2023
My heart and prayers are with you. VIVIAN
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