James John Gennaro

James John Gennaro, a resident of Fairfax, Virginia, peacefully passed away on December 2, 2023, at the age of 79. Family and friends will gather to celebrate his life on Thursday, December 14th, from 2 – 4 pm at Money & King Funeral Home in Vienna, VA.
Known affectionately as “Jim,” he is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Irma (Bach) Gennaro, his daughter Jennifer Gennaro Oxley (husband Elvis Chadd Oxley), son Jason Gennaro (wife Tea Gennaro), and four grandchildren: Maximus Oxley, Alexander Gennaro, Grant Gennaro, and Leila Oxley. Jim is also survived by his brother, Carl Gennaro. Those who knew him attest to the genuine love that Jim and Irma shared throughout their marriage. Jim was preceded in death by his father, John Gennaro, and mother, Mildred Carmella Gennaro.
Born in the Bronx, NY, on October 21st, 1944, Jim fondly recalled his Italian neighborhood, where three generations lived in one rowhouse, surrounded by a large family. During his youth, Jim developed a lifelong love of sports, particularly baseball, and enjoyed playing cards with his Pops. These passions were passed down to his children and grandchildren, along with his deep appreciation for family.
After high school, Jim’s family relocated to New Jersey, where he met Irma, the love of his life, at the Jersey shore. They were married in May of 1969. Inspired by the birth of their first ch Jennifer, Jim decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in his late 20s to provide a better life for his family. Juggling multiple jobs while attending college at night, he earned a bachelor’s degree, Cum Laude, in accounting from Farleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. Following college, the family briefly moved to Virginia, where their second child, Jason, was born.
Jim and Irma settled in Westminster, MA, in 1980, raising their two children. During this time, Jim enjoyed a successful career in the banking industry, climbing the corporate ladder to the executive level. In 2008, Jim and Irma moved to Northern Virginia for a new position as Executive VP with PNC Bank. Jim retired in his late 60s, spending his retirement years playing golf, exercising, reading, and enjoying various activities with his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces, and close friends.
Jim will be remembered as a good man – loving, intelligent, thoughtful, funny, strong-willed, and athletic. Known as
“Father Jim” by a long-time business colleague, he had an exceptional ability to listen and develop deep bonds with a wide range of people. Jim adopted many in the younger generation as a strong father-figure. An infinitely curious person and avid reader, he passed along his interests, including politics, finance, sports, cards, blues and soul music, movies, charity, and Italian food, to his children.
Above all, Jim will be remembered for his joy for life, kindness, and his enduring love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and family. He was a pillar of support for people in good times and bad. We will miss his infectious laugh and the profound sense of peace we felt in his presence.
Celebration of Life Services
Thursday, December 14, 2023, 2-4 pm
Money & King Funeral Home (Chapel)
171 Maple Ave, West Vienna, VA 22180
*Private, family and friends only.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to one of their favorite charities in Jim’s name or to a non-profit of your
choice:
• Why Me and Sherry’s House in Massachusetts (childhood cancer) https://whyme.org/
• DC Candlelighters in the Washington DC area (childhood cancer) https://dccandlelighters.org
• Special Love in Virginia (childhood cancer) https://specialove.org/