Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and raised in Stamford, Connecticut, James was one of 7 Jacquette children born to parents William and Helen Jacquette. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, he would move to Long Island, New York to work as an electrical engineer at Grumman for over 40 years. There he work work on the F-14 Tomcat and many other projects. As an avid skier, model train collector, traveler, and lover of Ford Mustangs and music, he was a member of the Grumman Ski Club, the Mustang Club of America, National Association of S Gaugers, and the New York Metro Parrotheads. An extremely intelligent guy with a big heart, a sharp wit, and a master of Dad Jokes.
Married the love of his life, Kathleen Penncavage in 1969 and shared 52 years of marriage together until her recent death in August of last year. Devoted father and father-in-law of Cynthia Jacquette Hopkins (Louis), and Matthew (Jessica). His grandchildren Dominic, Eliana, and Reece, and Great Granddaughter Bonnie. Brother of William (Janet), Yvonne, Jeanne (Bob), Gerry, Bob (Ana), and Arlene, and brother-in-law to Nancy Penncavage and George Penncavage (Pat). He will be greatly missed by family and friends.