James S. Ferretti

James S. Ferretti, known to family, friends, students, and colleagues as Jim, lived a life defined by dedication, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to others. Born on March 5, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, and passing away on March 28, 2026, in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, he leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the years he lived. Jim was a man who understood that a meaningful life is built one day, one relationship, and one act of service at a time, and he lived each of those days with purpose.

Jim was the beloved brother of John and is also survived by several close cousins and many friends who cherished his steady presence and generous spirit. He was predeceased by his parents, Constantino Anthony “Jim” and Marie Ferretti, whose memory remained an important part of his life. The values he carried with him were rooted in family, strengthened by loyalty, and expressed through the way he treated everyone he met with respect and warmth. Those who knew him will remember that his kindness was not occasional. It was consistent, sincere, and deeply felt.

A proud graduate of Passaic Valley Regional High School in the Class of 1964, Jim continued his education at William Paterson, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree and his New Jersey Teachers certificate. Education was not simply a milestone for him. It was a calling, a foundation, and a path that allowed him to shape lives in lasting ways. He believed in preparation, perseverance, and the power of learning to open doors, and he carried those beliefs into every classroom and every conversation.

Jim was proud to have worked as a teacher at his alma mater, where he forged long lasting relationships that span generations. He taught for more than 30 years, and in all that time, he never missed a day of work. That fact alone speaks volumes about the kind of man he was. He was dependable, disciplined, and devoted. He showed up with consistency and heart, and in doing so, he became more than an educator. He became a trusted guide, a role model, and a source of stability for countless students. Jim also taught Drivers Ed to the community and enjoyed working with the students, bringing patience, encouragement, and a sense of responsibility to every lesson he taught.

His impact as a teacher was not measured only by years served, but by the lives he touched along the way. Jim understood that teaching is an act of leadership, and he embraced that responsibility with pride. He knew that young people remember the teachers who believe in them, challenge them, and treat them with dignity. He was that kind of teacher. He was the one who inspired confidence, built character, and reminded students that they were capable of more than they imagined. His influence stretched across classrooms, hallways, athletic fields, and communities, and it will continue to live on in the people he guided.

Jim was also passionate about sports, and that passion became another way he gave of himself. He coached the Passaic Valley softball team, which won multiple championships, and he brought the same determination and encouragement to the field that he brought to the classroom. He understood teamwork, discipline, and the importance of believing in a shared goal. In 2019, he was inducted into the Passaic Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame, a fitting honor for a man whose dedication and leadership left such a strong mark on the school and its community. He did not seek recognition, but he earned it through years of commitment and excellence.

Jim was a spiritual man whose life reflected generosity, passion, and thoughtfulness. These were not just words that described him. They were the way he moved through the world. He gave freely of his time, his energy, and his heart. He cared deeply about his family, his friends, his students, and the community he served. He brought warmth wherever he went, and his presence had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and encouraged. His generosity was practical, his passion was contagious, and his thoughtfulness was a gift to all who knew him.

As we remember Jim, we remember a man who lived with integrity and purpose. We remember a teacher who never missed a day, a coach who led his team to victory, a brother, cousin, friend, and mentor whose life was rich with meaning. We remember someone who understood that success is not only found in accomplishments, but in the lives uplifted along the way. Jim’s generosity, his warmth, love of family, friends, and life will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His example reminds us to work hard, care deeply, and leave every place and every person better than we found them.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Friday, April 3, 2026 at Bizub-Parker Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Little Falls. There will be a Graveside Service at 10:30 am Saturday at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery (Section R) in Totowa. Please meet at the cemetery or at the funeral home parking lot at 10:00 am for a procession to the cemetery. Those wishing to express their sympathies may consider a contribution to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 or https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

After the visitation all are invited to return to Blackjack Mulligan's Public House, 1145 McBride Avenue, Woodland Park, NJ for a celebration of Jim's life.

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