James Maffia

James A. "Jimmy Faye" Maffia, 91, of Ocean Township, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

He was born in Avenel. He lived there and in Neptune before moving to Ocean Township 32 years ago.

He was a builder and a musician for many years before retiring. As a musician and composer, known as Jimmy Faye, he played with Guy Lombardo Band and at the Surf Lounge in Long Branch as well as many other local places.

He was a communicant of St. Anselm's Roman Catholic Church in Wayside and an US Army veteran.

Jimmy enjoyed his many fig trees, his beautiful garden and his love of cooking.

He was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Caravita Maffia; a brother; stepson, Michael Sestito; step-daughter-in-law, Danielle Sestito and step-grandson, Jeremy Sestito.

Surviving is his wife, Gail Sestito; children, James, Gina Marie and Anthony Maffia; stepson, James. M. Sestito; sister, Marie Panchak; brothers, John (Grace Ann) Maffia and Anthony (Kathleen) Maffia; 2 grandchildren, Brianne Maffia (Phil Kimble) and Taylor Sestito Cason (Frank) and 3 great-grandchildren, Harper and Holden Kimble and Giovanna Cason.

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Wednesday at the Fiore-Buckley Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road in Oakhurst, Ocean Township. Funeral Mass will be offered at 11 am Thursday at St. Anselm's Church in Wayside followed by entombment at St. Gertrude's Cemetery in Colonia. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or flowers will be accepted at the funeral home. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.