James V. Pedano

On August 7, 2024, of Glassboro. Age 64. Dear brother of Antonia Richman (Steven) and Camille Pedano. Loving uncle of Ryan Richman (Anastasia), Carly Albin (Jesse), Kirsten Horner and Jeffrey Horner. Proud great-uncle of Zoe, Nicholas, Sophia and Nolan. Beloved son of the late Vincent and Norma Pedano.

Jimmy was born James Vincent Pedano on July 29, 1960, in Philadelphia. Jim was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth but that was not going to define him. Jim attended Kindergarten at the Epiphany of Our Lord School in South Philadelphia. From there, he attended the Sara R. Bircher School in Germantown. By fifth grade, 1973, Christ the King School in Haddonfield, NJ, was one of the first schools to have an integrated/mainstream program and Jimmy transferred there to continue grade school. In 1975 Jim transferred once again to St. John of God Community Services School in Westville, NJ. Jim continued to progress through their program until the age of 21, when he graduated from St. John of God and Washington Township High School. Upon graduation, Jimmy worked in the sheltered workshop at St. John of God and then was promoted to work in the Granada Room at St. John’s where he served up many lunches to students, staff and the public. Jim took much pride in working at St. John of God and after many, many years he decided in 2019 it was time to retire.

As a Special Olympian since 1973, Jimmy earned many gold, silver and bronze medals in track & field, swimming, bowling and his all-time favorite, powerlifting. He held the NJ State record for deadlifting over 300 pounds. In 1991 Jimmy qualified and competed in the International Special Olympic Games in Minneapolis/St. Paul where he represented New Jersey in powerlifting and set that record. Jimmy became a Special Olympics Ambassador and very proudly represented New Jersey at many functions, including appearing before the Senate in Washington, D.C. His accomplishments are just too numerous to recount here.
Jimmy loved to dance and sing with his sisters, watch the Eagles’ and Phillies’ games with his brother-in-law, adored his nieces and nephews, and most of all, was dedicated to his parents and strived to make them proud each and every day.

To say Jimmy overcame many obstacles in his lifetime is an understatement. He taught us the true meaning of unconditional love.
Family and friends are invited to his viewing Monday 10:00 AM- 11:00 AM at the Church of the Holy Family, 226 Hurffville Rd, Washington Township. Mass of Christian Burial 11:15 AM. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, PA.

In honor of Jim’s life, in lieu of flowers or other acts of sympathy, we would encourage any donations to St. John of God Community Services, 1147 Delsea Drive Building A, Westville, NJ 08093 or to New Jersey Special Olympics Area 7, co/ Marianne Aponte, 15 Stanford Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”