QUEENSBURY --- With heavy hearts & deep faith we announce that James A. Rovelli entered into eternal rest into the loving arms of our Lord on December 22, 2024 at age 75. Born October 15, 1949, son of Angelo & Vivian Neddo-Rovelli. His parents & many aunts & uncles passed before him. Jim was raised in Whitehall, resided in Fort Ann and Queensbury, N.Y.

He was a devoted loving husband who loved his family, his faith & the Lord deeply. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Virginia A. Jurnak Rovelli (his "Honey Bun" of 49 years); daughter, Susan Ann Chant; grandson, Logan James (Sarah Leonard); granddaughter, Laura Gabrielle, & sweet loving great granddaughter, Zella Gabrielle, who said "I love your music Papa, but I love you more;" brothers-in-law, David R. Jurnak (Sheila) and Edward Jurnak (Linda); nieces & nephews; and aunt, Frances Neddo. Also, many cousins who he loved & meant so much to him.

Formerly of Whitehall, N.Y. where he graduated in 1967. Then continuing to receive his associate's degree at ACC & bachelor's degree at the University of Potsdam in 1971. Throughout his life Jim taught 7th & 8th grade history at a Catholic school; managed Fort Ann Motors Dealership; and owned Rovelli Motors. He then showed his love for his community & children by becoming the Coordinator for the Washington County Mentoring Program. Later entering the probation department in Fort Edward, N.Y. as a Washington County, State of N.Y. Probation Officer of the Law, serving nearly 5 years. He was a lifelong member of the BPOE Elks Club, Sons of the Legion, & past President of the Italian American Club. He was very proud of his heritage & spoke 3 languages.

Most of all, Jim loved music & entertaining. He was a well-known musician & entertainer in the area. He started entertaining alongside his father, playing drums & singing at the young age of 9. His love of performing & music led him to various events including – church, weddings, funerals, private functions, concerts & orchestras, including Green Mt College Vt. He performed solo at the Queensbury Hotel Lantern Inn, playing his father's 1950 Gibson guitar & singing for nearly 10 years. Whether he was performing solo or with various musical groups, his captivating voice, beautiful melodies & love of people were nothing short of a testament to the beauty of God's creation. Jim also recorded in studio 3 cassettes, one being in Italian. Jim was a lifelong Yankee & Giants fan. He loved vacationing on the coast of Maine & visits to the Eden Hill National Shrine of the Divine Mercy, Stockbridge, Mass. On Divine Mercy Sunday. He was very proud of his father (Angelo) & his father-in-law (Frank Jurnak) & their brothers for their overseas service in WWII. Jim gave speeches for communities & schools on Memorial Day/ Flag Day & sang the National Anthem whenever asked. He had a great interest in the history of his country. He had an exceptional gift of memory. He loved people & was a happy outgoing person.

A NOTE FROM JIM… It's not so much the world outside that makes us smile or sigh, it's more the feeling in our hearts & people that make life worthwhile. As you read this note from me or listen to my music, I hope you know the countless times thinking of you has brought me happiness. Thanks for the memories. Thank you for the prayers. God's blessings to you all.

Thank you to friends & family for your prayers & to those who have stayed close, visited or called. To Laura & Logan for your years of help & Zella who gives us so much joy. Tom & Judy Rovelli (sweet Leaha), your support & visits were uplifting. Bob Shufelt who came to help whenever asked. Cousins, Joyce Ann Nelson & Paula Buckman (we miss you). Cousin AnnMarie for being there for Virginia in Jan. 2007. Cousin, Donna Condon for countless calls, visits, & yours & Pat Ratigan's help, who came to stay with Jim while Virginia was in the hospital. To Kevin Maynard who was so good to us. Longtime friends, Linda & Earl Lucci, Paula Poisson, Janet Hayes, Theresa (Simon) Sulzer, Irene (Harry) Troelstra for calls, help, support & visits. To uncle Ed Jurnak & Virginia's maternal Sendra family, aunts & uncles for support & love. Thank you to so many people who have told me the love Jim & I shared could be seen & felt by others. It touched my heart. He will be the love of my life forever, we had a special bond. We love you all. Jim will always be in our hearts, he is unforgettable.

Sincere thanks & gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, aides, & staff who helped in Jim's care & support. Especially, Dr. John Laden & all at Adirondack Cardiology; Dr. S. Bassin; Physical Therapy; Glens Falls Hospital ER, ICU, Cardiology, (& the uplifting girls who always played music for Jim) & all units, staff & departments; Hudson Headwaters Homebound Healthcare Program providers, Aimee McMaster ACNP, Sharon Shannon NP, Glen Anderson PA-C, all Drs & staff – this program & care in invaluable to the patient & family; High Peaks Hospice wonderful nurses, Alita, Courtney, & Maria and all the providers & staff; Adirondack Home Health Aides, all staff, nurses & aides, Joyce M., Robin C. & Lena C.

Words can't express how grateful we are for ALL of these Home Care Programs & these giving people.  For your wonderful care, kindness, compassion & support. It was our pleasure to have met all of you & as Jim told you all many times, "I Love You."

Thank you to the many priests & Sister Donna for your visits & prayers whenever Jim was hospitalized.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 10 to 11 am at Our Lady of the Annunciation RC Church, 448 Aviation Rd., Queensbury, NY 12804.

A memorial service will follow at 11 am at the church with the Rev. Joseph Busch officiating.

Condolences may be sent directly to Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.