Obituary of James Francis McKillop

James Francis "Jim" McKillop, aged 92, of the Westerleigh area of Staten Island, passed away on June 30, 2024 in Ormond Beach, FL. Born on February 14, 1932, in Jersey City, NJ. The eldest of 5 sons to Daniel A. McKillop, Jr. and Jeanette Bieszard McKillop, Jim led a fulfilling life characterized by his devotion to his family and community. Jim attended St. Paul's Grammar School, where he played intramural sports. He attended and graduated high school from St. Peter's Preparatory School in Jersey City. He proudly served in the Air National Guard from January 1951 to January 1954, providing him a foundation of discipline and service that he carried throughout his life. He worked at New York Trust early in his adult life. He then "picked up a hammer" to work with his father-in-law, Knut Barmen, building custom homes throughout Staten Island. While supporting his young family, Jim attended night classes and earned his Associate's Degree in 1965 in Electronics Engineering. He worked for Bendix in Teterboro, NJ until 1968. He then took a position with College of Staten Island, from which he retired in 1998, where he was a respected Lab Technician, and was heavily relied upon by students and staff alike. Jim was a pillar of the community, actively involved in various roles. He served as Vice President of the Holy Name Society at St. Rita's in the 1960s. He was involved in his children's endeavors. He was an umpire for the Westerleigh Little Guys, during his son Jim's little league playing days and later was a coach of his son's Mid-Island Babe Ruth baseball team. He demonstrated his artistic side by building sets for local dinner dances and theatrical productions, including those of his daughter, Kathy. He also held the position of Properties Vice President at the Sons of Norway Nansen Lodge, where he played a valuable role keeping everything in good shape. A man of faith, Jim was a long-time member of the Holy Family Parish on Watchogue Road, Staten Island. His spiritual life was a cornerstone of his existence, guiding his actions and interactions with others. Jim's personal life was filled with joy and love, particularly shared with his late wife, Joan M. Barmen McKillop, who preceded him in death on April 5, 2024, after 68 years of marriage. He is survived by his daughter Kathleen M. Miceli (Jack), son James P. McKillop (Louise), and brother Thomas McKillop (Joan), along with numerous nieces and nephews. Jim's ethnic background is Polish, Scot-Irish and French, but he embraced his wife's Norwegian heritage, becoming actively involved in Sons of Norway Nansen Lodge. He and his wife were Norwegian Folk Dancers and Delegates to many conventions. Jim frequently tinkered in lighting and sound for Nansen's men's and women's amateur productions. He and Joan traveled extensively around the world, embracing cultures and experiences. Together, they were regular attendees at many theatre productions from Broadway to local theatre, and season ticket holders at PaperMill Playhouse in New Jersey, where they enjoyed plays with several friends from the Sons of Norway. In lieu of flowers, family kindly requests that contributions be made in Jim's memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Jim's life and legacy will be remembered fondly by all who knew him, as a devoted husband, loving and supportive father, a good brother and uncle, and a true friend to many. He was a man among men. His gentle, helpful nature and willingness to serve will be deeply missed. Family and friends may visit the Matthew Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2508 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY on Monday, July 29th from 3-5pm. Funeral from the Matthew Funeral home departing at 10am on Tuesday, July 30th, with a mass to be held at Holy Family Church at 10:30am. Inurnment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.