James Vincent Surrell

James V. "Jimmy" Surrell, 58, of Nutley, New Jersey, peacefully passed away after a brief illness, on April 30, 2024, in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised on Prospect Street in Nutley, Jimmy was the son of the late Doris T. Surrell and Robert N. Surrell. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Robert H. Surrell.

With his father passing when he was just 12 years old and most of his older siblings

then residing in California, Jimmy remained in the Prospect Street home with his mother. Shortly thereafter, the home was purchased by sister Janet and husband Bob who played a significant role in his upbringing alongside their three children, Brian, Danny, and Meredith. 

The holidays and summer months were especially memorable, with family visiting from California for weeks at a time, filling the house with love and laughter.  Growing up, Jimmy was an avid baseball player and fan, animal lover, and music lover.  After graduating from Nutley High School, Jimmy earned his degree in Restaurant Management from Montclair State University.  He became manager and eventual co-owner of Rocky’s Pizzeria on Franklin Avenue in Nutley, where he was well-known in the area as “Jimmy from Rocky’s”. 

He loved sharing stories of concerts, Yankees games, and memorable moments with friends who often visited Rocky’s just to spend time with him.  Outside of his busy work schedule, Jimmy loved going on long hikes in the Ramapo, Catskills, and Adirondack mountains, taking scenic pictures of animals in the wild. He had a deep love of being outdoors and found solace in the beauty of nature.

Jimmy leaves behind a legacy of kindness and generosity. He is survived by his sister Janet Miesieski and husband Bob, of Sunset beach, NC, brother John Surrell and wife Kathy, of Stoughton, WI, sister Margaret Surrell, of Stanaway WA, nieces Meredith DeSanti and Megan Murano, and nephews Brian Miesieski, Danny Miesieski, Michael Berry, Nicholas Berry, and Jude Andru Surrell.

A celebration of Jimmy's life will be held for immediate family members at a later date. In honor of his compassionate spirit, the family requests acts of kindness be paid forward in Jimmy's memory. Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com.