10/10/2025
James W. Stella
October 7, 1955 – September 26, 2025
James W. Stella, affectionately known as “Jimmy,” passed away peacefully at his home in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the age of 69, following a courageous year-long battle with cancer.
Born on October 7, 1955, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Jimmy was the son of the late John and Mildred Stella. In 1961, the Stella family moved to Brick, NJ, where Jimmy and his four brothers were raised near the Jersey Shore. He was the fourth of five brothers in a tight-knit and lively household.
Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Linda Stella; their daughter, Sonia Stella (Alan) Harris of Florida; his brother John Stella Jr. (Barbara) of Pennsylvania; and his sister-in-law, Arlene Nalbandian Stella of New Jersey, whom he lovingly referred to as his favorite. He is also remembered with love by his many nieces and nephews: Angela (Jim) Randall, Christopher (Robin) Stella of NJ; Russ (Tracie) Stella of FL; and Dawn (Tom) Mills, Jason (Jennifer) Stella, and Melanie (Bruce) Smith of PA. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Robert, Russ, and Flint Stella.
Jimmy was a man of many talents, known for his strong work ethic, sharp humor, and straightforward wisdom. He spent much of his early career in the automotive mechanic, service, and parts industry before relocating to Tennessee in 1997 at the invitation of his best friend, Dennis Quigg. There, he embarked on a new chapter as an award-winning superintendent and quality assurance manager in custom home building in Franklin, TN. It was during this time that he formed lifelong friendships, including with Al and Patty Richards, who played an important role in his spiritual journey and relationship with Jesus Christ.
Jimmy took immense pride in everything he did. He was meticulous, honest to a fault, and demanded the best of himself and others. His stories, jokes, and unforgettable one-liners filled every room with laughter, and his honest advice—often delivered bluntly—was always rooted in love and the desire to help.
As a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Jimmy was revered and cherished. He passed on his integrity, leadership, and humor to his daughter and grandsons, Jack and Austin Harris, who will carry his legacy forward.
When a man like Jimmy leaves this world, it’s as if a library has burned—a vast collection of wisdom, wit, and memory gone too soon. Though the silence of his absence is deep, the echoes of his stories, his laughter, and his impact will resonate in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
He will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.
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