John "Jimmy" Sayers

1939 - 2021

John "Jimmy" Sayers

Paramus - John (Jimmy) Sayers, 82, of Paramus, passed away on August 20, 2021, at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ. Born in Brooklyn, NY he is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Helen. Theirs was "a true love story" that started in Kindergarten at PS 124, Brooklyn. Their song was P.S. I Love You and every card was signed "P.S. I Love You, Jimmy". Blessed with three children - a son Jimmy with whom he is now joyfully reunited with in heaven; two daughters Denise and Cookie, and his sons-in-law, Richard, and Paul. One of a kind "Poppy" to his grandchildren Nick, Christian and Caitlin, he loved his family beyond measure, and always greeted everyone with a hug, a kiss, and a positive/funny comment. Jimmy is survived by his brother Fred, his sister Patricia, and countless friends. He is predeceased by his parents Fred and Dorothy and brother Bobby. A true "Brooklyn Boy," Jimmy was born with a beautiful singing voice. He enjoyed a passion for music, most especially Sinatra. His family moved to New Jersey during his high school years where he brought his stylish DA, peg pants and shoes to compete on the track team to break the Standing broad jump record. Notable for his quick wit and relentless sense of humor, he had a true spirit of generosity and kindness. He was known for his street smarts and his deep loyalty to family and friends. A beloved character, Jimmy left a lasting impression on each and every person he encountered. Jimmy valued people and life experiences over material possessions, a value he instilled in his children and grandchildren. He was a respected professional painter who took enormous pride in his work, and mentored young men in the trade for decades. Known for his generosity and kindness to others, he sometimes had to be reminded that he was working to make money. But he would say he worked for the joy of accomplishment and in pleasing his clients. Jimmy was trusted, admired and fair. In fact, he enjoyed a myriad of jobs throughout his life, including driving a taxi, limo, and bus. But one of his favorite jobs was as a "Mr. Softee" ice cream truck man, where he would often treat children who didn't have the money in their pockets and say it was "free ice cream day." Jimmy had the ability to have a conversation with anyone and could always make them laugh as he found humor in every aspect of life. A proud grandfather, he was a fixture on the sidelines of many sporting events where he proudly watched his grandchildren compete. To know him was to love him. A proud American, he would find ways to pay tribute to our veterans and to thank them. The services will be held at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ. Wednesday, August 25 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Church of the Presentation Church, 271 W Saddle River Rd, Upper Saddle River, on Thursday, August 26 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Jimmy's family asks that you find a way to do something kind for an individual, group or organization (he was passionate about our Wounded Warriors) to help make a difference on his behalf.