MARINELLI, James M.
James M. Marinelli, 57, passed away March 31, 2017 at his home in Boynton Beach. Born on September 20, 1959, in eastern Massachusetts to Peter and Ann Marinelli. He was raised in Belmont, MA and attended The New Preparatory School in Cambridge. He received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts and a Masters from Anna Maria College. He began his lifelong career in law enforcement in Chatham, MA, and later with other South Florida law enforcement agencies: Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, the Palm Beach State College Police Academy and was currently employed with the Palm Beach County School District Police Department. Jim was also the Assistant Director of the Indian River Community College Police Academy and later the Director of the Palm Beach County Police Academy. In addition to his law enforcement experience, Jim was an experienced educator. He taught at a number of South Florida universities, most recently Keiser University. Jim is survived by his two sons, Scott and Matthew Marinelli of Boynton Beach and their mother, Lisa; his two brothers, Mark and Paul Marinelli of Belmont, MA; his father, Peter Marinelli, and his mother, Ann (Magliulo) Marinelli, both from Belmont, MA.
Through Jim's career in law enforcement and education, he has made a positive difference in the lives of many. He was a loving father, a great teacher, and a good friend. He will be missed by all. The family invites all members of the law enforcement community, friends, and students to a memorial service that will be held on Friday, April 7 at Park Vista Community High School in Boynton Beach, FL, at 6:00PM.
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Published by The Palm Beach Post from Apr. 5 to Apr. 7, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for James MARINELLI

Sponsored by Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center.

19 Entries

Owen Kantor

April 26, 2017

I was extremely saddened by the passing of Jim. Jim was a lifelong friend of my brother Jeff, and I got to know him better the last couple of years when he attended some family celebrations and when I purchased a place in Florida.
He was one of the nicest, caring and humble person that I have met. I express my condolences to his family. Owen Kantor (Gloucester, MA)

Todd Bolar

April 11, 2017

Jim was a wonderful human being. I worked with Jim at Twin Lakes High and Palm Beach Lakes High. He was always upbeat and had a sunny disposition. He was dedicated to his sons and to his professional life as a police officer. Over the years that passed I lost touch with him until about 4 yrs ago when I worked at Spanish River High. Recently, I found out he was going to be the officer over the criminal justice magnet at Forest Hill High, where I currently work. I was looking forward to working with Jim until I learned of his tragic death. It's with the greatest sadness that I learned of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his two sons. God Bless.

Charlie Houser

April 10, 2017

Jim and I, became lifelong friends back in April 1980 while we were both recruits in the Palm Brach County Police Academy. There will not be anyone quite like Jim again in my life time.

Even though I eventually left PBC and went back to NY to become an NYPD police officer, Jim and I always stayed in touch.

Jim, love you like a brother, and I do not say goodbye, I say until we meet again.

Charlie Houser
NYPD Retired

Scott Marinelli

April 7, 2017

Today is a difficult one, my heart feels broken, I not only lost my father but I also lost my best friend. I write this letter not as a goodbye but as a thank you. Thank you for our time, for giving me life, for everything. Thank you for all you've taught me and shown me throughout the years. You showed me how important it is to fight for what you love. You loved my brother and I tremendously and you sure as hell fought for us. When you and my mother split you made sure we would never be separated and always close by. I thank you for showing me love and teaching me how to love others. Not only does your love live within me but also your strength and compassion. You have not only given me a big heart and a strong mind but also one of the most important things in life. a phenomenal sense of humor. You taught me to laugh at the little things. I don't think a day went by that we spoke and you didn't make me smile. Even your dumb little jokes, I knew were intended to cheer me up or make me laugh. About a month ago you had called me and told me that you were sending over a package to me in St. Pete. You told me you were sending some Oakley sunglasses along with a few other things and I was very thankful but I knew there had to be a catch somewhere, I didn't think you'd be sending me a brand new pair of Oakley glasses especially because I hadn't even asked for any. When the package came I wasn't too surprised to find another one of your elaborate little pranks. So when I opened the package and discovered the clearly fake knock-off Oakley glasses it brought a bigger smile to my face than any real pair possibly could have. I later learned you received the fake sunglasses for free when they were thrown into the box from your last order of those funny looking shoes you'd always wear.
Iv been thinking about you a lot lately and I know that will continue but that's alright because I know I will be thinking about the good memories and the funny ones. You've built me up when I was at my lowest, given me praise when I was at my best, you've been there every step of the way always having an answer to my questions. You have given me so much in our short time and I cannot begin to thank you enough. I pray that when I have children I can give them at least half the love, strength and guidance that you have given me.

Chris O'Connell

April 7, 2017

I have known Jim since 1st grade. I moved from one side of town to the other and met Jim almost immediately while attending Payson Park Elementary School. He has always been a incredibly loyal friend, and made a tremendous effort to stay connected despite the miles that separated us. When we did talk, he spoke so lovingly of his two sons, Scott and Matthew, proudly shared with me his brothers' many accomplishments and was always a loving, devoted son. Jim, Jimmy or "Buck", as I would call him fondly, has left a void that will never be filled. We will miss you buddy, and I look fondly to the day when we will be reunited once again.

Kandis

April 7, 2017

I worked with Jim at South and I know how much he cared about his students and his colleagues. Jim was a great guy and will truly be missed by all. My condolences to Jim's family.
Kandis

Indian Pines Elementary

April 6, 2017

Officer Marinelli will be greatly missed by the staff of Indian Pines Elementary.

April 6, 2017

I will truly miss you. The void is deep since you were so good with us all especially the CR CHICKS cookies you brought in for "your girls".
The scuddle is over my sweet and the long rides are over.

Maria and all your friends in Commo.

Rick Jenkins

April 6, 2017

Great cop, educator and leader. Jim's mentoring
has had a profound effect upon Palm Beach County cops. He'll be missed by many.

Rick Jenkins
North Palm Beach PD

April 6, 2017

The best trusted brother one could have, always taking time for me. We continued to keep in touch over the years, even when family time and the job took us in different directions.

Jim shared his family thoughts and values towards the issues while keeping friendship first. Jim is one of a kind!

Jim-son, brother, friend, dad and peace keeper, will always be in my heart and mind.

Bob Gorman

aniya hume

April 6, 2017

Great memories of James and the kids of Clarendon Rd. growing up. So glad I got to see him in Florida and he got to renew childhood memories with my two sons. My deepest sympathy to his boys, brothers, and especially his mom, my dear friend Ann.

Gerard Mahoney

April 6, 2017

On behalf of the men and women of the Cambridge, MA Fire Department please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of James Marinelli.

Derek Sedlack, PhD

April 6, 2017

Jim would go out of his way to ensure even a stranger was treated like a friend. His life-long service to community through each cadet and student will be remembered and his joyous personality cherished by all who knew him.

Pete Ebel

April 5, 2017

Jim was a good man. I'm glad to have known him. He helped me get my start as an instructor and I'm grateful. His smile was genuine and he was a likable gentleman. So sorry to his family.

Keith Hamon

April 5, 2017

I worked with Jim at South University and counted him a good friend. I am saddened by his sudden loss.

Carol McCusker

April 5, 2017

Thinking of the Marinelli Family and sending our prayers and thoughts to all.

April 5, 2017

Heartfelt condolences to Jim's family. I taught at South University with Jim, and as a former police officer have known him for many years. He will be missed by so many in the LE community and beyond.

Mark Bannon

Lorrie

April 5, 2017

My condolences to the Marinelli family. I first met Jim when he was director at the IRCC Police Academy. I learned a lot from him when I transitioned from student to colleague at PBCC's Police Academy. He will be missed.

Annunziata Giangaspero

April 5, 2017

Deepest sympathy to you all at this time of sorrow from my mother, Maria Mastrorilli, my entire family from Terlizzi, and all Italian cousins and relatives who directly or indirectly have known James.

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