James Joseph Reilly

James Joseph Reilly passed at the age of 59.

Born on August 2, 1966, James Joseph Reilly was a resident of Jackson Heights, New York.

James, a proud New Yorker, passed away peacefully, On April 30, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of love, friendship, and integrity. He had a great love for Ireland, where his wife Jeanette was born and raised, and he counted many friends there.

James had many strong virtues, some of which had a common thread throughout his life. He was loving, kind, honest, genuine, and showed a great deal of integrity. These qualities were reflected in his marriage, family, work, and friendships.

He loved his food, his beer, and the occasional pint of Guinness. Sports were a passion: he supported American football, being a Giants fan, and had a massive interest in the English Premier League. James was a devoted supporter of Leeds United, owning and wearing every football shirt they had issued to the present day. He even had the Irish Rugby team shirt, demonstrating his fondness for football shirts in general.

An intelligent man with a wealth of knowledge, James gained insight through education, reading books, and watching documentaries. He was a big music fan, particularly of The Clash and U2, and his interests spanned American history, worldwide history from ancient to modern, adventure, and science fiction. He had a fantastic memory for facts, names, and dates.

James loved watching TV food programs and would occasionally suggest recipes to Jeanette. He was an absolute fanatic of American comedy TV shows, rewatching them thousands of times, laughing with the same joy at each joke and scene, often anticipating what was coming next.

His life was dedicated to making friends, not enemies, but friendship came with high standards. Those who met them were friends for life, regardless of age, creed, or gender. He will be sadly missed by all, but most of all by Jeanette, who in her words,

“Will Always be Loved but Never Forgotten.”

The most common comment from those who knew James, upon hearing of his passing, is that “He was such a nice guy.” He knows that Jeanette will receive all the support and love from her family and friends as he watches down. We take comfort knowing he would have made a fast and safe journey to meet up with his father, mother, and family who went before him.

May he rest in peace.

Visitation will be held at Thomas M. Quinn & Sons Funeral Home, 41-45 58th Street, Woodside, NY 11377, US, on May 6, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 23-25 Newton Ave., Astoria, NY 11102, US, on May 7, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.