Thomas (Tom) was born in New York on July 14, 1941 to Catherine Collins and Roy James. He spent his early years living in Astoria, Queens and studied at Parson's school of Design. Tom fell in love and married Rosanne Colletti on February 19, 1966. Their marriage spanned 58 incredible years together in truly good times. His undying love for his wife was most visible these last 15 years as he selflessly cared for her during her tremendous hardship of Cancer.
To know Tom James was to love him. He was kind, and quiet at times, but his heart was the biggest one in the room. His devotion to his family shined through in everything he did. For decades, Tom tirelessly worked for some of the most well known brands in the World to make sure his family felt the security of a well-providing patriarch. But Tom wanted even more for his family. In the early 1980's, Tom started his own graphic design firm, Lansing Graphics. For years, after each work day, Tom could be found in his home studio until all hours of the night completing freelance projects for personal corporate clients. He was tremendously successful in his career. His attention to detail and keen eye for design landed him many jobs in package design. He worked at Lifesavers, Nabisco, Pinnacle Foods and Gerber to name a few. He ended his career as a Director of Graphic Design for The Nestle Corporation in 2017. He was known and loved by so many in his professional world. Tom retired at the age of 75 and left behind an unparallelled legacy. In short, Tom James was a legendary trailblazer in the creative package design field.
Tom and Rosanne started their family in Queens, NY with the birth of their first son Thomas Jr. in 1971 . The family moved to Long Island where his second son David was born in 1975. They spent 13 years in their home in Muttontown celebrating holidays and countless family parties. In 1986, Tom's career relocated him to New Jersey and the family settled in Franklin Lakes. This would be the last place he called home.
Tom is survived by his wife, Rosanne James, his two sons, Thomas and David James, his daughter in law Dana James, his five grandchildren Devin, Peyton, Connor, Ryan and Molly and countless family and friends who loved him dearly. Tom was a loving husband, a kind and generous father, and a proud grandfather. His blue eyes had nothing but kindness for the people in his world.
A gathering for Thomas will be held on will be held in Oakland, NJ on Friday, October 27th from 3-7pm and in Woodside, NY on Saturday, October 28th. from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Conway Funeral Home, 41-45 58th Street, Woodside, NY 11377. Following the gathering will be a committal service from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Calvary Cemetery, 49-02 Laurel Hill Boulevard, Woodside, NY 11377.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to: https://cureparkinsons.org.uk/donate-in-memory
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.conwayfh.com for the James family.
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