James P. Nowaczyk

James  (Jim) P. Nowaczyk, age 80, of Bensalem, formerly of Philadelphia passed away peacefully on April 11, 2024. Beloved husband of Virginia (nee Murphy) for 52 years. He is survived by his brother, Kenneth, his  two sons, Christopher (Renèe) and Kevin (Danica) and his 3 Grandchildren (Joshua, Meghan, and James). 

Born on February 3, 1944, Jim grew up in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia attending St. John Cantius and then went on to graduate from Father Judge in 1961. Jim proudly served his country in the Army National Guard for 6 years from 1965 to 1971. He then worked for the United States Post Office as Letter Carrier for 38 years and was also a DJ for 20 years during this time.

Many of you knew Jim as a Letter Carrier, a DJ, your neighbor, your Uncle, your Cousin, your Nephew, your Pop Pop and most of all your friend. Jim was a great friend to many people. No one was a stranger to Jim and during his Mailman and DJ days, if they were a stranger at first, they would soon know him.

Jim loved the Philadelphia Sports Teams, but most of all the Phillies and Eagles. Thankfully he was able to celebrate 2 Phillies World Series and 1 Eagles Super Bowl victories in his lifetime.His love of baseball was something that he passed down to his sons, that they will forever cherish. No one yelled at the TV or radio like him. Jim also loved Roman Catholic High School, where his 2 sons and grandson attended.  He was President of their Father’s Club for many years. 

Above all else, Jim was a dedicated and hard-worker in all that he did and loved being a Dad to his 2 sons. This may have been topped by adoration of his 3 grandkids, whom he doted on and attended all of their events.

Many called him a friend but only two were able to call him Dad. Dad loved his sons in his own unique way. He was a great Father because of his love. This love spoke in many different ways that only his family explain through his virtues. 

These are virtues he has taught and shared with many of us:

This love showed itself through

Laughter – Dad loved to tell jokes and just make fun of any situation. He would make us laugh constantly and not just with corny dad jokes. He was genuinely funny. 

Tough fatherly coaching – Dad had a phrase he lived by which was “Don’t do anything half-assed” – He gave everything he did 100%. From baseball to fixing things to work – he gave it his all. 

Through discipline – Don’t let all this sweet talk fool you, our Dad was fair but tough on his sons and taught us respect from an early age.

Through praise – He celebrated our accomplishments through verbal affirmation to showing up for achievements. Dad never missed a single sporting event of his sons. He talked about us all the time and was determined to let others know.

Through hands-on experiences – There were many weekends spent putting things together, doing work on a car or the house. He didn’t just tell us how to do things, he encouraged us to help.

Through listening more than talking – Many of you know him as a talker or the life of a party. But when it came to his family, he listened and then responded. He was a man of few words when it came to his family but when he spoke – you listened.

Through making family first – From making sure we had family dinner times to purposely planning time to be with us – he showed his love through time. He loved and adored our Mom. They were married 52 years, inseparable, and a perfect complement of each other.

We all have stories about Dad and most will make us cry from laughter. He knew how to control a room but not by overpowering everyone, he accomplished it with his gentle yet strong presence. You knew he was there even when he didn’t speak.

Something Dad would do is challenge us, so in the spirit, I am going to challenge everyone in ways he would have continued.

Talk to People: Our society has become a culture hiding from and not fully knowing our neighbors. Get to know those around you and enjoy the time we have here on Earth. Whether it be someone at a store, at a ballgame, a newcomer to a family or party, or while on a walk. Smile. Say Hello. Be Kind. Share a story, even if someone heard it a 1000 times. Jim sure loved to tell stories.

Have a catch with your son/daughter: He loved to play baseball and it was his escape. No matter how hard he worked or how late he got home, our Dad NEVER turned down a request to have a catch. You will remember moments like this forever. Ask your Dad or favorite person to have a catch, the ball doesn’t matter.

Do these things for Jim.

In lieu of flowers and to honor the memory of Jim, a donation in his name can be made to:

- Roman Catholic High School https://www.romancatholichs.com/giving/ways-to-give