My deepest heartfelt condolences to Jim's children Nicole, Jim and Alycia.  Also to Jim's Sister Marilyn.  I first met Jim at Uncle Charlie and Aunt Fran's Anniversary party held at the Italian Village.  Since then I have considered Jim and your Mother Jarlon, dear friends.  Picking up my medications from your house and your Mother would welcome me in,  we would go downstairs to talk,  while you kids would be playing.  Fond memories of the two nicest people I have met along the way. I feel very fortunate that Jim and his Children invited me over to their house over the Christmas holidays a few years ago and I got the chance to share that with all of you.   Frank Nicosia Jr.

My deepest condolences to Jim and Marilyn's families.  As cousins growing up together we have many long lasting memories.  Jim will always be a memory we will keep in our hearts.

It's hard to imagine celebrating life's milestones without Uncle Jimmy around. He has been there for every major event in my lifetime and always manged to make them more special. I remember how he took me shopping as a little girl and let me pick out my own birthday outfit. He gave me a silver dollar for each A I earned on my report card. Visiting him at his drugstore was such a treat! Always generous beyond compare, he gave us gifts and memories we will treasure forever. Much love to Nikki, Jimmy, and Alycia - his absolute greatest joys. We share in your sorrow but are grateful he is finally at peace.

Uncle Jimmy was an example of thoughtfulness and generosity.  He also demonstrated an abiding sense of hope that truly inspired.  That hope sustained him during times of trial & sorrow.  It also allowed him to experience the unadulterated  joy of a die-hard fan when the Cubs FINALLY won the World Series.
I think he would want us to know that our hopes for his recovery have been realized. I’m pretty certain he has now taken over Heaven’s Kitchen. The smell of sausage & peppers wafts through the celestial air as he greets all his guests with a big smile and and even bigger hug.

My cousins and I were so lucky to have Uncle Jimmy’s warmth and kindness feature so prominently in our childhoods. We were always excited for parties with his family - Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Jarlon were so loving and generous to the 14 of us (I can’t  believe they gave each of us personalized Christmas gifts... the pink Barbie polaroid camera was one of my favorite presents ever), and we always had so much fun playing with our cool older cousins Nikki, Jimmy, and Alycia.  

I will remember Uncle Jimmy’s sense of humor, his generosity, and his pride in our Italian heritage & love for Italian cuisine. Thank you for all the memories Uncle Jimmy. Tell Aunt Jarlon we say hello and that we miss her too. We love you. 

How fortunate were we—the family, friends, friends of family,  guests, and just people my uncle took a liking to. He always made you feel like a million bucks when, without fail, he would respond to the greeting, “How are you, Uncle Jimmy?” with an enthusiastic bear hug and, “Ahhh, a whole lot better now that you’re here.” It was his standard welcome line for each of us, but couldn’t have been more heartfelt. His generous, joyous actions always managed to affirm his love. Love shown in the form of traditional feasts; sharing his bountiful harvest of tomatoes & Melrose peppers; special deliveries of Italian Village beef; bouquets when you’re sick; and excursions to restaurants and ballgames. Uncle Jimmy enjoyed life and all its goodness—- so much so that he didn’t wish to let it go. He is a model for all of us on how to give and love on this earth. And I’m certain someday he will greet us all in heaven, and we’ll hear his radiant greeting again.
This hymn comes to mind:
Dance, then, wherever you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.
And I’ll lead you all wherever you may be,
And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.

Our deepest heartfelt condolences to Marilyn and Jim's family.  Find comfort in your memories. 

I was lucky to call you my brother, all that we shared will never be lost...it will live in my heart forever.  RIP my dear brother, I love you.

I just want to express my condolences to Jim's family, especially his three children.  

OBITUARY

James F. Beranek

August 15, 1939 – May 2, 2021

Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home

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