James "Jim" Schembari

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).