James Bilotti

MARCH 10, 1934 – MARCH 16, 2024

James Anthony Bilotti, 90, of Avenel, NJ, passed away peacefully on March 16th surrounded by his loving family. Recognized by those who knew him as one of the strongest and most determined men around, it came as no surprise that he was a fighter to the very end. Defying medical expert predictions countless times, including his battle with COVID in 2020, he was truly a man with nine lives, each lived to the fullest. We take comfort in the thought that he is finally at peace.

James was born in Staten Island, NY in March of 1934, son of the late James and Beatrice Bilotti. His younger brother Arthur was born not long after. A lover of the culinary arts at a very early age, James traveled by ferry to NYC daily to attend a culinary trade school for his high school years. Determined to serve his country, James proudly joined the United States Marines at the young age of 18. He served from 1952-1955, including a tour of duty in Korea. On August 10th, 1955, he was honorably discharged and returned to Staten Island. He was an active member of the Masonic lodge up until his passing.

Upon his return, he attended a community college and graduated with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. A brief but experience filled stint working for his Uncle Mike at The Staaten Restaurant of Staten Island was just the beginning of his restaurant career. James next took his talent to ARA services, (present day known as Aramark restaurant services) where he successfully managed the largest food service operation for the company at their New York Life location. He retired from ARA after a successful 25-year career. From there he and his devoted wife Mary Jean, owned, managed and grew a small eating establishment called Bills Luncheonette. In spite of its size, their luncheonette would quickly become legendary in the Woodbridge area. The last stop in his restaurant career was to co-own a health food restaurant named Jimmy B's Health Food Grill with his namesake and son, James A. Bilotti.

In 1975, James married his devoted wife, Mary Jean, whom he would spend the next 49 years with raising their children, Gina, James, and Mark. Big Jim, Pops or Grandpa as he was affectionately known, was also blessed with five wonderful grandchildren, Adrienne, Amanda, Timothy, Christopher and Jake Anthony, whom he could often be heard bragging about to anyone who would listen. He cherished his role as a husband, father and grandfather and never missed an opportunity to share life’s lessons from the experience he had gathered over his 90 years. He could often be heard saying “Let me explain something to you.” As time passed, we realized that he had many important lessons to explain and those lessons were always worth listening to. As a father and grandfather, he was the absolute best. He was always there when needed (sometime even when we didn’t realize we needed him) and taught us about integrity, respect, honor, love, compassion, and what “family first” really means. He never asked for anything and gave everything.

James lived a fulfilled life, 49 of those years in a “door always open” corner house in Avenel, NJ that he loved. It made him especially happy to feed people, whether it be at home, a family barbecue or in one of his restaurants. And he fed everyone. He will forever be known for his signature eggplant parm, which remains unparalleled. Football was another of his passions and he was a NY Jets season ticket holder for almost 60 years. He shared his love for the NY Jets with his children, who to this day are unsure whether that was a blessing or a curse. He could frequently be found at Met Life Stadium with his daughter, Gina, on any given Sunday, something special they shared since carrying her in on his shoulders to Shea Stadium back in the days of Joe Namath (who he called “Joe Willy”).

James is survived by his loving wife, MaryJean, who is single-handedly responsible for at least eight of his nine lives. Wherever you found him, you undoubtedly found her, making sure he was warm enough, safe and happy. He is also survived by his daughter Gina, son James, all five grandchildren, his brother Arthur (Corrina) daughter-in-law Suzy (Mark), son-in-law Donald and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving son, Mark, who we know was there to greet him as he ascended.

Big Jim will be missed by all who had the honor of meeting him. He could often be heard saying “You are one of the ten best”. He was the best of the best. Bye pop, not a day will go by without you on our minds. We love you beyond words, James (J.A.B) and Gina

A visitation for James will be held Friday, March 22, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753. Following the visitation will be a mausoleum service from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at St. Joseph Cemetery, Cedar Grove Road, Toms River, NJ 08753 followed by lunch at Artisan’s Restaurant and Brewery located at 1171 Hooper Ave, Tom’s River.