Obituary of James Stephen Paddock
James "Jim" Stephen Paddock, 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, surrounded by his loving family, on February 7, 2026.
Jim was born on May 13, 1941, in Palos Heights, Illinois, to James “Gil” Gilmore and Anne Janis Paddock, and was raised there alongside his sister, Joan. He often spoke fondly of his childhood—learning to ride horses and shoot guns while working on his aunt and uncle’s ranch in California, family vacations to Wisconsin and Texas, making “great tips” parking cars and checking coats at a local country club, performing in the high school play, and visiting his father’s job at the Chicago Tribune. After graduating from Blue Island High School in 1959, Jim took a year off to work and save money before attending the University of Illinois, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business. During one formative summer, he was a medical sales rep traveling the east coast and it resonated with him.
Upon graduation, Jim joined U.S. Steel’s coveted management training program, launching what would become a distinguished career in the metals industry. Over the next 11 years, he relocated nine times for various roles, steadily honing his sales and senior leadership skills in steel manufacturing and distribution. In the mid-1980s, Jim joined Titanium Industries, Inc., where he later became President and, in 2001, owner. Drawing on decades of experience, Jim made a lasting impact on the global titanium industry. In recognition of his contributions and leadership, he received the International Titanium Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. The 54 year old company continues to flourish as a family business for over 25 years.
Above all else, Jim was a devoted family man. During his senior year at the University of Illinois, he met his wife of over 50 years, Jaquelyn "Jaque" Marck —then a freshman—while waxing his Ford T-Bird on campus. They soon married and were blessed with four children, and later, with the joy of becoming grandparents “Mimi and Pop-Pop”. Jim cherished regular winter family trips to Marco Island and later St. Petersburg, Florida, as well as summers spent in Brick and Point Pleasant, New Jersey.
Jim traveled extensively, both domestically and internationally, for work and for pleasure. He often joked that, over time, he had molded himself into the shape of an airplane seat. A lifelong car enthusiast, his passion began in college with his T-Bird and continued with a red Mustang, silver Datsun Z, and a collection of cherished Corvettes. Known affectionately as “Captain Jim,” he could often be found at the helm of his various boats (most of them all named “Time Out”), jet skiing on the bay, cruising with the top down, or touring back roads on his three-wheeled motorcycle. He took great pride in recounting adventures navigating waterways from the Great Lakes to New York Harbor, the Chesapeake Bay, and down the Eastern Seaboard to Florida—and everywhere in between.
Later in life, Jim found love again with Roberta Fiore, who became his partner in adventure for his remaining years. Together they enjoyed dancing to live music, cruising the Manasquan River and Barnegat Bay aboard “Let’s Dance” with friends and family, meeting new interesting people at favorite Jersey Shore bars and restaurants, spontaneous get-a-ways, and falling asleep under the stars.
Jim was truly the rock of his family—a compassionate, dependable presence with a heart of gold. His unwavering values of loyalty, kindness, and generosity defined him and will remain part of his enduring legacy. A consummate host and toastmaster, he presided over countless holiday gatherings at the longtime family home in Mendham, New Jersey and never fully relaxed until the entire family had arrived. He insisted on a fire in every fireplace, a drink in every hand, and famously grilled the holiday turkey while wearing his “Danger: Men Cooking” shirt. He never met a soup he didn’t like, especially one served at a Jersey diner, and would partake in the occasional potato pancake that was never quite as good as his Lithuanian mother could make. He was a patriot and proud of his family heritage that could be traced back to two Mayflower passengers and parties hosted for Abraham Lincoln. If Jim was there, a flag was flying, whether it was the stars and stripes, a burgee, a company logo, or a university attended by family. Jim believed every event justified a picture, every fire pit could use one more log, and every goodbye one more hug and honk of the car horn.
Jim embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. Always on the move, he loved to dance whenever the opportunity arose, bringing warmth and energy wherever he went. He consistently put the well-being of others first—it was central to who he was and to nearly every conversation he had. He often credited his father, Gil, for advice that guided his life: “If you become a good listener and talk about what interests the other person, you will do well with people.” Jim lived this wisdom daily. He inspired others personally, and professionally through his strength of character, his reliability, and the way he always showed up for those around him.
Jim Paddock will be remembered for his strength, generosity, and boundless love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, devotion, and joy that will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.
He is survived by his partner, Roberta Fiore; his children, Lisa Paddock (Rod), Brett Paddock (Maria), Todd Paddock (Diana), and Scott Paddock; their mother, Jaque Paddock; his grandchildren, Aidan, Amelia, Liam, Noah, Colin, Emerson, and Kinsley, with another grandchild on the way; his sister, Joan Steck Williams; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please use this page to share a memory, leave a condolence, or light a candle in his honor.
