In Memoriam: Longtime Red Bank Resident, Red Bank High ’69 Grad, Former County Planning Board Chair, Jim Giannell, 72

Longtime Red Bank resident and Red Bank High School graduate, James “Jim” Giannell, passed away on Friday, Sept. 27, surrounded by his loving family. He was 72.

Born Demitrios George Giannell on Nov. 15, 1951 in Long Branch, he was a life-long Monmouth County resident.

Jim was a proud Red Banker who graduated from Red Bank High School in the class of 1969 and spent the majority of his life in the borough.

A 1973 graduate of Trenton State College, Jim originally planned a career in education before committing to his career in real estate which he excelled in for fifty years. He was president of New Markets Realty LLC.

“Jim was extremely knowledgeable and helpful to many, especially in the area of commercial and residential real estate. His greatest passions included Greek, Roman, and Byzantine history, politics, all eras and genres of music, international travel, cooking, movies, the San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants, and gardening (especially roses). The son of the Caramel Sweet Shop owner, Jim was a chocolate and fudge connoisseur … There was nothing Jim enjoyed more than entertaining and going out to dinner with family and friends. He was known for his sharp wit and incredible sense of humor. Everyone who knew him understood that the more he teased you, the more he loved you. Jim will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.”
Loved ones of Jim Giannell in his obituary

Active in local and county Republican politics, on the local level, Jim served as Red Bank Municipal Committee chairman for several years. He also served an unexpired term on the Red Bank Borough Council. On the county level, he was an active county Republican Committee member and served for many years as member and chairman of the Monmouth County Planning Board.

Jim was predeceased by: his parents, Christos and Kalliopi Giannell.

He is survived by: his loving son, Christopher (and Melanie); cherished granddaughter, Fiona; his daughter, Alexandra; sister, Tasha Adams; his fiancée of 29 years, Gerri C. Popkin; and a host of treasured and devoted friends and colleagues.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 4 to 7 p.m., with a service at 6:15, at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home