James T. Jennings

James T. Jennings, age 73, of Vineland passed away Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, in Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Philadelphia, surrounded by loved ones.

James was born in Vineland to the late Edwin and Sophie (Aulen) Jennings and lived in Vineland all his life. He graduated from Vineland High School, Class of 1957.

After graduation, he worked with his family at Edwin Jennings Construction. They built the first nine holes of Eastlyn Golf Course and the original Vineland High School, now Landis Middle School. They also developed the properties and streets of Green Acres, including Utopia Lane, Renee Drive, Fina Place and Eureka Drive.

James later worked for Prudential Insurance in the processing department, where he met and married the love of his life, Fina (Pizzo) on Feb. 27, 1960.

He was a member of the N..J. National Guard for 40 years and worked as a full-time civil service employee of the National Guard. His last assignment was Troop Command of Atlantic City. Recently, he was a school bus driver for the Vineland Board of Education for over 10 years.

James enjoyed hunting, NASCAR, fishing, and sharing time with family and friends. He considered himself a true patriot and firm believer in freedom of speech and right to bear arms. He was a member of Buck's Rest Gun Club in Weymouth for 65 years. He also enjoyed going to flea markets and collecting certain items, especially historical and documentary movies. If you needed something, he most likely had it and he was known to fix anything that needed repairs. He had a great sense of humor.

James was predeceased by his parents; sister, Dorothy Franzoi; and cousin, Rene Franzoi.

He will be sadly missed and is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Fina (Pizzo) Jennings of Vineland; two sons, James V. Jennings and Christopher E. Jennings and his wife Darla, all of Vineland; two grandsons, Trevor and Austin, at home; brother, Edwin Jennings Jr. and his wife Rosemarie of Buena; and two sisters, Betty Merighi and her husband Carlo of Richland, and Eleanor of North Jersey.

A funeral liturgy will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Saint Padre Pio Parish-Our Lady of Pompeii Church, 4680 Dante Ave., Vineland. Burial will follow in Cumberland County Veterans Cemetery, Hopewell. Viewing hours are from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday in the church.

Donations in James memory may be made to the church.

Please visit www.wbfuneralhome.com to send online condolences to the family.

Arrangements are by Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.