James W. Ferris, Sr.

James W. Ferris Sr., 78, a great family man, U.S. Veteran, American patriot, and a son and long-time resident of Jersey City, passed away, with family at his side, on Memorial Day, May 25, 2020, at home in North Arlington.

Big Jim was born in Jersey City, the sixth child of Irene (nee Burke) and Warren Ferris. He is predeceased by his two brothers, Gerard and Warren (Babe), and three sisters, Irene (Sissy), Kathleen (Aunt Kat) and Lorraine.

While on active duty (1963-66) as a member of the U.S. Army, in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Jim met the love of his life, Ursula Klein. They were married in 1966, returned to the States to settle in Jersey City, and raised four children. Ursula predeceased Jim in 2007.

Jim is survived by his four children, Jimmy (and partner, Gina Fallacara) of North Bergen, Tom (and wife, Kim) of North Arlington, Ursula (Missy) Connolly of Union Beach, and Irene D'Andrea (and husband Marcello), his devoted caregiver, of North Arlington. Jim had three grandchildren who adored him – Courtney and Sean Connolly, and Gianna D'Andrea, and he played an instrumental role in the young lives of two nephews -- Thomas Ferrari and Gary Ferrari, who equally adored him.

Jim was a professional bartender at many notable J.C. Heights institutions, including Tom & Andy's Pub, Monaghan's, The Blarney, and Dee & Jeans. He later went to work for the City, ultimately retiring from the Jersey City Incinerator Authority.

Jim was a friend to all who knew him, engaging each person with undivided attention. He had a knack of making anyone feel welcome and befriended. He was the source of many hours of enjoyment and amusement among friends and family, engaging in discussions and trivia contests about baseball, boxing, history, politics, Jersey City, and his unrivaled expertise in "old movies".  His passing marks a generational change in the Ferris Family, and Big Jim (the Unc) will be greatly missed and always loved. His kind will not pass this way again.
 
Jim Ferris will be waked, for immediate family only, at Riotto Funeral Home in Jersey City on Friday, May 29, 2018, followed by interment next to his bride, Ursula, at Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to be made to St. Jude or Shriners Hospital.