Obituary of James Stephen Paganessi

James Stephen Paganessi, age 59, died accidentally on Saturday, January 19, 2013, in upstate New York. He was born on September 1, 1953 in Somerville, New Jersey, and was a 54-year resident of Hunterdon County. Jim will be remembered for his lifelong career of public service and profound love for his family and country. Jim graduated from Hunterdon Central High School in 1972. In 1979, he joined the Readington Township Police Department, proudly serving until his retirement in 2009. He started as a patrolman and after rising through the ranks, was proudly sworn in as Chief of Police in 2001. He received his NJ State Certified Public Management (CPM) certificate from Rutgers University and was nominated and attended the FBI National Academy, 201st Session. He was the former president of the Hunterdon County Police Chiefs' Association, a member of PBA 317, and a proud Mason. Jim loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest. He was an adventurer in every sense of the word, enjoying flying, racing, snowmobiling and shooting sports. His most treasured times were spent with his adoring family. He was predeceased by his father, Fermo, his mother Mary Aizent, his stepfather, Aleck Aizent, and his brother, Fermo (Bobby) Paganessi. He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Valerie, and two beautiful daughters, Chelsea and Marina. Other survivors include his loving sister, Sandy and her husband, Eli Gaynor, his sister, Joyce Sobon, his sister-in-law, Marilyn Paganessi, his mother- and father-in laws, June and Robert Vickery, his sister- and brother-in laws, Dawn and Kevin Rittenhouse, his brother-in law, Todd Vickery and his partner, Tom Hickey, his brother and sister-in laws, Herb and Linda Vickery, his brother in-law, Glenn Vickery and his many nieces and nephews. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 from 1:00 to 4:00PM and 7:00 to 9:00PM at Kearns Funeral Home, 103 Old Highway, Whitehouse, NJ. A funeral service will be celebrated on Thursday, January 24, at 11:00AM at the Readington Reformed Church, 124 Readington Rd, Readington, NJ. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the American Cancer Society, the Whitehouse Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 175, Whitehouse Station, NJ 0889 or The Whitehouse Fire Company, PO Box 215, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889