Father, Grandfather, Patriot, dedicated to Belleville
James A. Messina III, 73 of Belleville, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday August 5, 2020. Born June 13, 1947 in Belleville’s Silver Lake community and raised in Bloomfield, he was the son of the late James and Catherine (Serritella) Messina. A graduate of Bloomfield High School, “Big Jim” went on to serve his country proudly as a member of the elite intelligence unit, MACV throughout his deployment in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War earning the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Following his duty to his country he went on to earn his degree in English Literature from Northeast Louisiana University and University of The Americas, Mexico.
Continuing his call to service, Jim represented his community openly, honestly, and with dignity throughout his life. First, as a member of the Bloomfield Board of Education from 1978-1979. Next, he successfully became the first councilman for Belleville’s newly created 1st Ward in 1990 serving for 10 years including two terms as mayor drastically improving Belleville’s town infrastructure, education, and public safety systems. Then, he served as Commissioner and Belleville’s leader of the Department of Public Works from 2000 till his retirement in 2009.
Also a local business owner, Jim owned and operated the Belleville Pub for over a decade throughout the 1980's and '90s. Being a town favorite, it was frequented by many with a special appreciation toward local first responders and those serving the town he worked so diligently to help progress. That hospitality endured at the AMVETS Post 26 in Belleville where Jim was also its "mayor" as an ever-active member and its most staunch supporter.
Jim created and owned his own construction company, JMP Construction with lifelong friends Mike Hebda and the late Paul Lape. A mason by trade, like his father, Jim helped build and maintain businesses and homes throughout Belleville and the surrounding areas for most of his life. Two of his proudest accomplishments were constructing the Belleville Little League field alongside his father and completely renovating and modernizing the Belleville High School baseball field. Jim Messina's passion for his town and its community was unrivaled as was his signature deep, commanding voice.
Jim is survived by his loving family, including his brother Michael Messina of Toms River, his sisters Karmel Ann Cifrodello of Jackson, Deana Nisivoccia of Bloomfield, Kathy Cooney of Toms River, and his former spouse Maria Messina. By his admission, his proudest achievements were his children and grandchildren. His son James and wife Natasha Messina and his daughter Christine and husband Joseph Walsh. His six grandchildren Brianna, James, Joseph, and Lia Messina and Gavin and Declan Walsh. Our "Poppy" will be dearly missed but will always be kept close, lovingly in our hearts. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Vietnam Veterans of America, donation website: https://vva.org/donate/
or St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, donation website:
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