James DePaolo Jr.

James Joseph DePaolo Jr. age 72, Grand Forks, passed away from complications related to Influenza A, on January 8, 2024, in the dark morning hours with his devoted daughter Amy Nicole by his side. James “Jay” was born on October 16, 1951 to James Joseph Sr. and Louise DePaolo. He enlisted in the Marine Corp and spent 20 years in military service. James married the love of his life Linda (Schwarz) DePaolo in Costa Mesa, California on August 2, 1972. They have two children: son James "Jimmie", and Amy "Ames" Nicole. They spent their time camping and listening to James tell stories about growing up in The Bronx. He was an avid NY Yankee fan and enjoyed taking the family to games. James and Linda could often be found dancing in the kitchen, listening to music from different genres and decades, singing 'Islands in the Stream' and their love song 'Can I have this Dance?'. James loved taking the family to NYC to visit family and show his children his roots. Despite his love for the city, He truly felt at home on the 'farm' in Fergus Falls, MN. Many of his funnier stories took place on the farm. James had a strong vibe when he entered the room. Making others laugh was natural regardless of the situation. His heart was full of unconditional love for those he cared the most for. After 9/11, He collected a semi load of teddy bears from the Grand Forks Community and drove them from Grand Forks to NYC where He delivered them to the children who were affected by this devastating event (Neil Carlson documented this trip). Also left to mourn James’ untimely passing are his soulmate, Linda Kay. James was a very romantic modest man within their Union. They showed affection to each other, often times by kissing at a red light to embarrass their children. There are so many great memories from camping trips, Travel (Sicily, Italy; Germany); and around the US. He learned from the Lord to not pass judgement on others and learned to look for the silver lining in life regardless of the situation. He became quick to forgive. Son: James Jay (Melissa) & their children Allie Louise, Joseph Dean, John Elias; Celina, Texas. Daughter Amy Nicole (special son-in-law Patrick Swanson) & their children Carter Angelo Swanson and Bronx Joseph Swanson. Grand Forks, ND. His two sisters Vivian (the late Angelo Allegretta) Allegretta; and Diana (the late Albert Cascio) Cascio along with many nieces and nephews who brought much joy to Jay’s life starting in 1972 until his passing. Ultimately Jay loved being a Grandfather the most. He was always proud of all 5 of his grandchildren and often discussed them at Friday breakfast with his friends or elsewhere. Jay was relentless when speaking of his children and granddaughter, and grandsons insisting that "Nobody has a better looking family than mine." He was very much a hands-on Grandfather & liked to tryout/share his trinkets from "As Seen on TV" with them. This hobby led to more great memories and laughs. James has many awards from his service in The Marines, Army, and The Air Force. One of his deserving status of Man of the Year. He was the first to graduate college in his family. He and Amy had many laughs and banter as they shared some Criminal Justice classes together. A special Thank-You to Suzanne Berry, Lea Saga-Leiser and Amy Nicole's Father-in-Law, Steve Swanson. Surviving James Jr are his wife of nearly 52 years. son, James Jay DePaolo whom He was very proud of. Daughter-in-Law Missy and their three children: Alexandra Louise, Joseph Dean, and John Elias. All of Celina, TX. Daughter Amy Nicole Swanson (Patrick Swanson), and Carter Angelo & Bronx Joseph of Grand Forks. Sisters Vivian Allegretta, NJ. Diana Cascio, Yonkers, NYC. Nephews Paul Allegretta whom looked up to James like a Father Figure. Albert Cascio, NYC. Sister-in-law, Lucy and Bob Bymers of Glenwood, MN. Brothers-in-law: Leonard (Pixie) Schwarz; Lloyd (Marge) Schwarz: Larry (Mary Jo) Schwarz of Fergus Falls, MN. Predecessor to death are his parents, James Joseph DePaolo, Senior; and Louise DePaolo (Wexler). His Grandmother "NANA" Wexler, New York. Mother-in-law Meta Amanda (struck) and Father-in-Law Gilbert Otto Schwarz. Special Sister-in-Law and friend Terry Schwarz (Lloyd Schwarz). Infant sister-in-law, Myrtle Schwarz. Sister-in-law Luella and her husband Brother-in-law Ken Hintermeister of Rochester, MN. Nephew James Nicholas Allegretta, New Jersey. Angelo Allegretta, New Jersey. He adored his nieces and nephews. He was a giving person and is missed terribly. A limb has fallen from the family tree that says grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the songs, the good life I lived while I was still strong." A family led memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Grand Forks. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the start of the service. The church will live stream the service at https://immanuelgf.org/streaming (https://immanuelgf.org/streaming)
*A private gathering of close immediate family members and long time friends was held on August 2, 2024. It would have been their 52 Wedding Anniversary.