James Anthony Franchina, of Westwood, New Jersey, passed away suddenly surrounded by his family on Wednesday, October 18th, 2023. He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Beatrice (nee Juliano), as well as his daughter, Jennifer, grandchildren, Tyler and Julia, brother, Anthony, and his wife, Carole, sister, Rosemary Santorini, and her partner, Victor Tamaro, sister, Lois Smagula, and her husband, Paul, brother in law, Gabe Juliano, and his wife, Lois, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Juliann.
Jim, or "Chizzy" as family and friends called him, was born on July 10, 1942, in Passaic County, New Jersey to Rose Ferrara and James Franchina. James, who grew up in Lyndhurst, New Jersey was widely known for his artistic and athletic talents at Lyndhurst High School - being recognized as an all-state center and middle linebacker and football co-captain during his senior year. He also played basketball and baseball, where many referred to him as “The Big RBI Man”. Because of his athletic achievements, James was eventually inducted into the Lyndhurst Hall of Fame in 1990.
Following his high school years, James continued his highly successful athletic career in football, where he won four letters and was nominated for being an All-American center and middle linebacker. He earned his BA in Fine Arts from Montclair State University in 1964, and later his MA in Fine Arts from Montclair State University. Afterwards, James taught art and coached football and baseball at various academic institutions across New Jersey and New York - being named the head coach at St. Joseph High School in Montvale, New Jersey, head coach at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey and assistant coach at Fordham University in Bronx, New York. He also played a monumental role in starting the art program at St. Joseph High School. James, after teaching computer graphics at Spring Valley Senior High School in Spring Valley, New York for many years, eventually retired in 1997 and then dedicated himself to caring for and spending time with his family and friends.
From a young age, James developed his strong love for the outdoors and is perhaps most remembered for his passion of wild bird hunting.
Those who were lucky enough to know James would agree they had never known someone as hardworking, kind, welcoming, loyal and loving. James will live on among his daughter and grandchildren, for whom he set an example of what it means to live a fulfilling life, devoted to family and friends. He will be sorely missed, but he will be forever alive in those he touched and shaped.
The family will receive their relatives and friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ, on Monday, October 23rd from 4:00-8:00 PM. The Funeral Mass celebrating James’ life and faith will be held at St. Andrew's Church, Westwood, NJ on Tuesday, October 24th at 11:00 AM.
Those wishing to make a memorial donation in James’ name may consider Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (giving.mskcc.org).
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