James Francis Paccioretti

James Francis Paccioretti, April 26, 1933 – February 12, 2023
Artist, patron, enthusiastic lover of all things bright and beautiful; James Francis Paccioretti, long time resident of Bucks county, departed this earth on Sunday February 12th. Born in 1933 in Essex county, New Jersey, James studied design and architecture at Cooper Union, New York City, left to serve in the Army and upon return, completed his education at New York University.
James worked in retail design, selling, and management at Bambergers, Newark, New Jersey, before re-locating to Bucks County Pennsylvania with his long -time partner Don Whitney for a position at the famed Philadelphia department store Strawbridge and Clothier for the rest of his career.
He leaves behind sisters, Jean Thompson and Lucille Fennelly, brother-in-law Robert Thompson, numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, friends of the Bucks County and Philadelphia communities and the Doylestown Presbyterian Church where he was a beloved, loyal member for 23 years.
James especially delighted in teaching Sunday School, enriching the lives of countless children and families, also serving in the roles of Elder and usher and on the Membership, Youth, and Worship and Arts Committees. Countless church events benefited from his creative design experience.
A long-time opera lover, James was a supporter and committee member of the Bucks County Opera Association, and the Philadelphia Academy of Vocal Arts. After retiring he continued to share his passion with others, teaching opera classes in the CLR program at Delaware Valley University.
His philanthropic interests benefited the Doylestown Health Foundation, the Heritage Conservancy, the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, and Americans for Native Americans (ANA). James was renowned for his entertaining and raised considerable funds for various organizations, hosting elegant, self-cooked gourmet meals in his beautiful home, Meetinghouse Ford, which he did through 2022.
James brought joy and effervescence to everything he did, and to everyone he met, leaving a trail of smiles and love behind. He was a rare and special soul and will be missed.
There will be a memorial service on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Doylestown Presbyterian Church, 127 E. Court Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 immediately followed by a repast at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Doylestown Presbyterian Church, the Academy of Vocal Arts of Philadelphia, The Bucks County Opera, the Doylestown Health Foundation, The Heritage Conservancy, The Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, or Americans for Native Americans.
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