James E Jumper

James Edward Jumper, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Fairfield, Connecticut, on December 12, 2024, after a long illness. Jim was born on February 16, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, to James Walter and Grace Jumper. In 1955, Jim married the love of his life, Marie Duva, and soon after they moved to Valhalla, New York, where they raised their six sons. They relocated to Connecticut in recent years to be closer to family.
At age 17, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served aboard the USS Pocono, an Adirondack-class amphibious force command ship equipped with advanced communications systems, during the Korean War. Following his service in the Navy, Jim worked for the Bell Telephone Company for 17 years as a telecommunications technician. In 1973, he joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 3, and worked as a General Foreman until his retirement in 1999.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved brother, George; and his in-laws, Lucy and Sebastian Duva. He is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Marie; his loving sons, James (Camille), Christopher (Trisha), Thomas (Josephine), Michael (Cathy), Robert (Carrie), and Matthew (Lauren); his wonderful grandchildren, Stephen (Taylor), Marissa, Alexandra, Samantha, Christopher, Thomas (Maria), Maria Giovanna, Kade, Harrison, Quinn, Charlotte, Abigail, and Lillian; and his great-grandson, James.
Never one to sit still, Jim enjoyed camping, fishing, painting, and gardening. He was an accomplished carpenter, whether constructing a sailboat, a grandfather clock, or a birdhouse. There was nothing he couldn't build or restore, nor any campsite he couldn't transform into an outdoor paradise. (He was far ahead of the glamping trend.) He was an ever-enthusiastic singer on birthdays, Christmas Eves, and at church, and was every dog or cat's favorite human being. More than anything, Jim loved spending time with his wife and his large, growing family, whatever the activity or occasion.
Always easy with a laugh and a smile, Jim's legacy lives on in the love he gave, the lessons he taught, and in the cherished memories and stories we'll spend the rest of our lifetimes retelling.
Calling hours for James will be held on Tuesday, December 17th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with military honors taking place at 7:00 PM. Services will continue on Wednesday, December 18th, at 11:00 AM, directly at Our Lady of Sorrow in White Plains, New York. All other services will be held privately. For travel directions or to sign James's online guest register, please visit www.ParenteFuneralHome.com.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Jim's name to the Alzheimer's Foundation or act.alz.org