James J. Guidi, Jr.
James J. Guidi, Jr., beloved husband, father, pop pop, father-in-law, brother, uncle, son, nephew, devoted Stateliner fan, and friend to many, passed away on October 10, 2024. Jim was so much, to so many. Born December 27, 1951 in Phillipsburg, James was the son of Louise (Sands) Guidi, and the late James J. Guidi, Sr.
Jim was a loyal Phillipsburg Stateliner sports fan and enjoyed all sporting events, but particularly Friday night football games, wrestling, field hockey, and softball. He was a previous member of the Garnet Booster Club and a season ticket holder for both football games and wrestling matches. Jim would always arrive early and would not leave a football game until after the playing of the Phillipsburg High School Alma Mater. He loved all sports and he was a lifelong NY Mets fan and NY Jets fan, professionally. He also enjoyed attending Oldtimer’s softball games and racecar racing. Jim had visited every high school football field in all of NJ, which sometimes made his family crazy as he would take long detours on trips to visit a stadium. Jim’s knowledge of sports, rules, and statistics was second to none.
Jim had a love of homemade pasta, most enjoying hand-rolled meat ravioli. He also loved a box of Ronzoni No. 9 thin spaghetti, and every Wednesday was spaghetti night. Jim also enjoyed little gestures, like showing up with a little treat that he knew the recipient would like. He was so thoughtful and generous to those closest to him.
Upon graduation from Phillipsburg High School, he attended Newark College of Engineering. He worked for Transilwrap Plastics in Nazareth, PA, then traveled weekly to Baltimore, MD until his retirement. He was an Inventory Control Specialist and used all of his mathematical knowledge in his role. Upon retirement, he kept himself busy cutting fruits and vegetables at Stop and Shop in Pohatcong.
Jim married Jill (Hilliker) on September 27, 1980. They recently celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary. Together, they created a loving home and family with daughter Jessica Rehl (husband Adam, his favorite son-in-law), and son James Guidi, III. His most prized family was his four grandchildren of whom he spent so much time following all of their sports and activities. Logan, Lilliana and Alexis Rehl, and Daisy Guidi were his pride and joy. He and his brother Jack (wife Connie) were very close and attended football games and wrestling matches together for their entire lives. Jim has two nephews Matthew and Jeffrey Guidi from his brother and has many sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews through marriage. Jim was predeceased by his father James, Sr., father-in-law Arthur, mother-in-law Maryann, and niece Kymberly.
James will be fondly remembered by those closest to him and it is our hope that you live like he did. Love with everything you have, support those you love in everything they do, and be thoughtful. Today, tomorrow, and always, show up, get involved, and love big.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 6 – 8 pm at the Finegan Funeral Home at 302 Heckman Street in Phillipsburg with a funeral service being held on Wednesday, at the funeral home, at 10:00 am. The interment will be at St. Philip & St. James Cemetery in Greenwich Township, NJ.