James Palmieri

James “Jim” Palmieri, 72, of Coatesville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at his home with his wife by his side.  He was the beloved husband of Veronica “Monica” G. Schmidt Palmieri.

Born in Akron, Ohio, he was the son of the late Eugene and Gisella Palmieri (Nemeth).   A Veteran, he served the country in the Army National Guard as an Armor Crewman with a medal in Rifle Marksmanship.  He was a musician, playing the guitar and drums for his band The Big Ego.  He also believed that he could play the saxophone (debatable).  He had a very unique sense of humor with a quick wit, loving a good “dad joke”.  He was kind, generous and fiercely loyal to family and friends.

He spent 42 years with Frito Lay as a Senior Marketing Executive, earning dozens of awards and accolades, mentoring and making life-long friends.

Inspired by his grandchildren, Papa Jim wrote several children’s books: Pelly the Pitching Pelican, Why is that Penguin Wearing Glasses, Dad I Want A Pet, Pelly and the Plutonians, Laurel and her House of Coral, and Fred the Snail.  He also wrote about his own adventure in sales with Three Weeks in Women’s Shoes.

He spent half of each year in North Myrtle Beach as a member of the OD Shag Club, dancing the Shag, participating in parades, running golf cart raffles and enjoying his much-deserved retirement.

In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by 5 children, Tracey, Chuck (Sandi), Jimmy (Kristen), Brian (Dawn), and Katy (Dan), 6 grandchildren Danny, Aidan, Ryan, Thomas, Lucy, and Adriana, his brother John and sister Sharon.  Jim was predeceased by his brother Angelo.

A visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m., Friday May 3, 2024, followed by a Time of Sharing to celebrate his life with song, memories and stories at 9:30 a.m. at the James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown.  Services will then continue with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 332 Manor Avenue, Downingtown. 

Interment will be private with the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be mailed to The Avon Grove Lions Foundation at 600 N. Baker Station Road, West Grove, PA 19390 Attention: Bob Yeatman, Hospital Equipment Program.  The Lions Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization (Tax ID# is 27-1296219).  This program loans medical equipment to anyone in the community who has a need.  This program assisted us with much-needed equipment to help move Jim around the house and maintain his life as normal as possible.