James Vincent PAPA

PAPA - James Vincent 1922- 2009 Passed away peacefully at the age of 87 in Surrey Memorial Hospital on October 10. Jim was born in Delair, New Jersey and later immigrated to Canada in 1972. He proudly served his country during WWII in the US Navy aboard the USS Cates. Jim's chef career took him to several restaurants in the lower mainland finally retiring from Gisela's in 1986. He was then appointed the status of a Life Member by the British Columbian chef's association. Jim was very involved with Our lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church where he made many friends. He also became a very active member of the Knights of Columbus Don Bosco Council 10277 rising to the position of Lecturer. Jim is predeceased by his beloved son James Michael in 1967. Jim is survived by his loving wife Margaret; son, Tony Papa and Daughter, Bonnie Donovan; sisters, Rita (Joe) Giovanetti, Theresa Flannigan, Carmella (Jim) Bruni and one brother, Louis (Judy) Papa; 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews of New Jersey, USA all whom he loved dearly. Also missing Jim are his extended family Debbie and Bruce Haugen, Jackie and Alfie, Lilley and David and Laura Currie. Jim's family and friends will dearly miss the humour, jokes and storytelling of this very special man who loved life and lived it to the fullest. Evening Viewing will be held at 8pm on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 10460 139 Street, Surrey. Funeral Mass will take place Friday, October 16, 2009 at 11:00am, also at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. Jim will be interred at a later date in Cherry Hill, New Jersey next to his son. In lieu of flowers, family requests any donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Heart Association. Published in the Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on 10/14/2009