James T. Direso, Jr.

James T. Direso Jr. died peacefully, and was eternally reunited with his loving wife, Linda, on January 22nd, 2025, at the age of 77. Big Jim, as he was often called, was born in Philadelphia PA, on March 22nd, 1947 and is preceded in death by his parents James T. & Mary (DiBenedetto) Direso, Sr.  

Jim grew up in East Falls, the Lower End, as it was called. He had great pride in his neighborhood and loved hanging out with his buddies on Allegheny Ave.  Jim graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia in 1965. He then was drafted and bravely served in the U.S. Army from September 6th, 1966 until September 6th, 1968. He was the top ranked communications tech in his class and served his time in Germany supporting communication during the Vietnam War. He was a morse code expert. Jim was lucky enough to be able to visit the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, and many other European countries during his time overseas. Following his military service, he married the love of his life, Linda, on September 6th, 1969. The two raised a large family in Southwest Philadelphia and were active members of both the Good Shepherd and West Catholic communities.

Jim had as many as nineteen paying jobs in his lifetime. He delivered newspapers as a young boy and worked hard setting up industrial sized tents as he got older.  He always gave his paycheck to his mother to help pay the bills only asking that she leave him enough for lunch money. He embodied the true meaning of hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and resiliency. His most notable jobs were at the Southwest Task Force, Honeywell, ITE, and Good Shepherd and Annunciation BVM parishes where he served as the Head Sexton. Jim took great pride in his work and was committed to raising a family and supporting their dreams and ambitions. 

Big Jim was an avid and ‘ph’aithful Philadelphia Sports fans. He loved watching his Phillies, ‘Iggles’ (Eagles,) and Flyers.  It brought him great joy to watch his own children succeed both academically and in their extracurriculars. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren perform or compete, even if only through photos and videos toward the end of his life. In his young adult years he was a coach, a mentor, PTO Member, Boy Scout Leader, and a positive role model for all who knew him. 

Big Jim is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda A. (Hummel) Direso. Survived by and loving father of, John J. Direso, Marie Direso, Suzanne (Matthew) MacCord, Sharon (Michael) Marino, Barbara (Christopher) Gall, and James Direso. Proud Pop Pop of Sean, Camryn, Colin, Connor, Noah, Isabella, Vincent, Ava, and CJ (Cody John). Loving brother of John (Susan) Direso, Robert (Linda) Direso, and Marianne Direso. Jim is also survived by his former daughter in law, Anna Pasetti, many nieces, nephews, cousins, life-long family friends, caring neighbors, and loved ones. Big Jim will be dearly missed by all who knew him. 

Family and friends are invited to a Viewing from 6:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, January 28th at Logan-Videon Funeral Home, 2001 Sproul Rd., Broomall, PA 19008 and from 9:30-10:45 AM on Wednesday, January 29th at Annunciation B.V.M 401 Brookline Blvd., Havertown, PA 19083 followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Invest in West Fund supporting students at West Catholic by enhancing academics and supporting extracurriculars.https://www.westcatholic.org/alumni-and-giving/give-now