Obituary of James J Rapsis Sr.

James J. Rapsis Sr., 83, of Longs, SC, formerly of Washington, NJ passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024, at Forest Manor nursing home in Blairstown, NJ. Jim was born on December 6, 1940, to the late Ignatius Rapsis and Agnes (Willis) Garofalo. He graduated from Washington High School class of 1959. Jim was an outstanding lineman and named to the NJ All state football 2nd team. He was also inducted into the Warren Hills Wall of Fame. He married his high school sweetheart Carol Ann {Hoffman} Rapsis. Sadly, Carol Ann passed away in 2009. Jim was a self-employed contractor. He owned and operated Rapsis Roofing & Repairs for many years before retiring in 2004. Jim was a past member and captain of the Washington Emergency Squad and a past member of the Washington Borough Fire Department. He was a founding member and coach for the Washington Borough Redskins and led them to championships in 1966 and 1967. Jim was also a long time NJ high school football official and a past member of the Warren Hills Regional High School Board of Education. Jim was also a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Washington. Jim was also an avid fan of the NY Yankees, Washington Redskins, Boston Celtics, and Notre Dame football. He cherished his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also had many friends in Washington and made many new friends in South Carolina. Jim is survived by his daughter Karen Comella and husband Thomas of Hope, NJ, and son James Rapsis Jr. and wife Lisa of Stewartsville, NJ. Four grandchildren: Andrea, Ashley, Lauren, and Jenna and four great grandchildren: Addison, Charlotte, Camden, and Autumn. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Joan (Rapsis) Fiore. Family and friends may pay their respects on Saturday August 24, 2024, 9-10:30 AM at the Warren Hills Memorial Home. 234 W. Washington Ave. Washington, NJ 07882. A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 AM at St Joseph Catholic Church. 200 Carlton Ave. Washington, NJ. Interment will follow at Hillside cemetery in Oxford, NJ. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Jim's name to the Washington Fire Department. 100 Belvidere Ave. Washington, NJ 07882. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Warren Hills Memorial Home. To send an online condolence please visit www.warrenhillsmemorialhome.com