Thank u coach p.  For coaching me in football

Though my time with Uncle Jimmy was limited, my memories are fond. If anyone could rustle my dad’s feathers it was his baby brother. And I loved that about him. Reading through the tributes from his students and friends these  past few days has shown me a fuller picture of who he was — how much he meant to the people around him, and the mark he left on his community. I’ll carry both the memories I have and the sense of him I’m only now discovering. Thinking of you all during this time.

My heartfelt condolences to Roseanna, Michael and Chris. Jim was not only a colleague, but also a great friend. We spoke so many times about work, sports and our families. Jim was a wonderful husband and father. Jim was also an educator that every student loved and respected. He was a great influence on many students’ lives and ambitions. As a coach, Jim always cared for his athletes and gave 100% effort to the game. Weehawken High School will truly miss “Coach P” and all he has done in and out of the classroom. God Bless You, Jim. May You Rest In Eternal Peace. ❤️🙏

I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Panepinto family during this difficult time. I have many great memories of Coach P, first as my history teacher, baseball coach, and later as a colleague. He made a lasting impact on so many lives, including mine. My thoughts and prayers are with him and the entire Panepinto family.

With heartfelt condolences,

Marcelo Galindo

My condolences, Coach P made tremendous impacts on the lives of the kids he taught and coached and I am thankful for his wise words as a kid growing up in this world. God bless you in heaven and your family on earth

Our years working together at open gym were some of the best days of my life. I have learned alot from you over the years, and I truly believe you helped shape me to the man I am today. I couldn't have done it without you Coach. I will always keep you in my thoughts. Love you tons.

Sebastian S. Santiago

I had the pleasure of knowing Coach P as both a teacher and a coach, and he touched my life in ways I could never begin to explain. During some of the hardest times of my life, he took the time to sit with me after class. No matter what he had on his plate, every day he made sure I was okay. I will forever be grateful for the countless stories, terrible jokes, and unforgettable debates we shared. More than anything, I’ll miss our long conversations about life, history, and the world as a whole.

Coach P always challenged me to be a better man, athlete, and student. In my last interaction with him, he gave me his trademark firm handshake and told me he was proud of me and how far I’d come from the shy freshman basketball player he had coached. He dropped everything he was doing and took the time to speak to me about my future and encouraged me to continue my work. I can only hope I continue to make him proud.

My condolences to the Panepinto family. Rest in peace, Coach P. Thank you for everything.

It is hard to put into words the impact you had on so many lives.

I was fortunate enough to know you first as a teacher and later as a colleague. You taught with passion, led with kindness, and treated everyone with respect. Working alongside you only deepened my appreciation for the incredible person you were.

Your influence extended far beyond the classroom. The lessons you taught, the encouragement you gave, and the example you set will continue to live on through the countless students, colleagues, and friends whose lives you touched.

Thank you for everything you gave to our community. You will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and never forgotten.

Since my first day at WHS, I was welcomed by this genuinely special man. He quickly became much more than a colleague - my "adopted father"....I will cherish every memory with you, Coach!

I’m 42 and I vividly remember him as my 8th grade social studies teacher.  Sending thoughts and prayers to the family.

During the last school year, as a substitute teacher at WHS, I covered Coach P’s classes a number of times (I say “covered” because there is no substitute for Coach P). Even though he challenged his students and the athletes he coached to reach beyond what they thought they could do, they greatly loved and respected him. He wii be sorely missed. 

My condolences to his family. May he rest eternal.

Remembering a colleague, friend and fellow ballbreaker. Jim had a heart of gold and was always the first to reach into his pocket before anyone else could.  His kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.  Rest, peacefully, my friend. You will be deeply missed.

Today my heart is heavy as I remember someone who had such a profound impact on my life—my high school basketball coach, Jim Panepinto. 

Coach P was so much more than a coach. He was a mentor, a role model, and someone who genuinely cared about each and every one of us. His inspirational speeches weren’t just about sports—they were about life, perseverance, character, and believing in ourselves even when we didn’t.

As a teenager, I didn’t always realize just how much those lessons would shape the person I would become. Looking back now, I can see that the values he instilled in us extended far beyond the basketball court. He taught us to be strong, resilient, compassionate, and to always give our best.

Thank you, Coach P, for believing in us, encouraging us, and treating us like we mattered. Your kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support will never be forgotten.

My deepest condolences to his wife and boys who I haven’t seen since they were little kids. 

Rest peacefully, Coach. Your legacy lives on in the countless lives that you touched.

He was always a go to teacher when we needed to get away from class or when we were overwhelmed with work I remember him being so kind to those around him. He will be greatly missed

OBITUARY

James C. Panepinto

November 2, 1955 – August 2, 2026

Mack Memorial Home

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