Obituary of Deacon James Rizos

James William "Deacon Jim" Rizos passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Morristown Medical Center, surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. He shared 76 years of love, laughter, wisdom, and faith with family and friends.

Jim was born on January 6, 1950, in Ballston Spa, New York, to the late Dorothy Jean (Kerin) and George Louis Rizos. As the eldest of nine children, he spent his childhood living throughout the country as his father served with the American Red Cross. Those early experiences helped shape the compassionate, adaptable, and generous man he would become. He graduated from Mount Assumption Institute in Plattsburgh, New York, before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Le Moyne College, and a Master of Arts in Theology from Seton Hall University. Jim's professional career spanned several decades in information technology, where he worked as an IT consultant for a number of companies, including many years with Accenture in Florham Park, New Jersey. Yet while his career was meaningful, his true calling was one of faith, service, and teaching.

After years of prayer and discernment, Jim answered God's call to the diaconate and faithfully served as a Permanent Deacon at St. Mary's Church in Denville for eleven years. He embraced this ministry with humility and joy, always ready to serve wherever he was needed. Whether teaching CCD, assisting parishioners, answering late-night calls, preaching the Gospel, or simply offering a listening ear, Deacon Jim lived his vocation every day. He loved sharing the message of Jesus with anyone willing to listen, welcoming conversations with curiosity, kindness, and respect. Jim had a love for Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. He was a Eucharistic minister, a 30-year member of Nocturnal Adoration, and faithfully brought communion to the homebound and nursing homes around the community. Jim was also a proud member of Knights of Columbus Council #3359 in Denville. He was a passionate advocate for the unborn, serving in NJ Right to Life and coordinating the annual bus trip to the March for Life in Washington, D.C. He was deeply involved with Operation Appalachia Ministry at Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel, traveling to West Virginia to help repair homes for families in need. He believed everyone deserved patience, dignity, and the opportunity to learn. He was known for volunteering to teach those others believed were "unteachable," patiently explaining a task in as many different ways as necessary until understanding finally came. He never gave up on anyone.

On June 28, 1975, Jim married the love of his life, his best friend and soulmate, Mary Cecilia Webber. Together they built a beautiful life in Denville, New Jersey, raising a family rooted in strong values, open hearts, helping hands, and grace. Their marriage was a true partnership and an example of selfless devotion. When Mary courageously battled cancer, Jim became her steadfast caregiver, caring for her with endless tenderness and unwavering support. She was truly his world. Above every title he held—Deacon, teacher, consultant, volunteer—Jim treasured being a husband, father, and Pop-pop to his ten grandchildren. His family was the center of his life. He never missed an opportunity to show up for the people he cared about. No project was too difficult, no favor too inconvenient, no phone call unanswered. Whether fixing a house or a car, taking a road trip, helping someone move, cheering from the sidelines, or simply sitting beside someone who needed company, Jim was always there—with a radiant smile.

He possessed a patience that was truly extraordinary. Friends and family often remarked that no one had more patience than Jim. He never complained. He never rushed anyone. He invested deeply in the lives of those he appreciated, paying attention to what mattered to each person and making it matter to him too. He had a remarkable way of making everyone feel important. His grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy. He was endlessly playful and silly, never considering himself too old to crawl on the floor, play games, learn new hobbies, or embrace whatever interests captured their imaginations. He became interested in what they cared about simply because he wanted to spend more time and relate with them. He was an exceptional father and, if possible, an even greater grandfather.

Jim relished being in the outdoors and especially delighted in trips to the Adirondack Mountains. He was an avid fly fisherman, hunter, and deep-sea fisherman. Despite becoming seasick, he rarely missed an opportunity to head out on the water—a testament to his determination and love of adventure. He enjoyed philosophy, spirited conversations, and teaching others. He remained active throughout his life, playing basketball at Gardner Field well into his forties and fifties, often outplaying men half his age. He also gave his time to the Boy Scouts and later returned to education as a substitute teacher at Morris Catholic High School, where his desire to teach continued to inspire students.

Jim was always moving—fixing, building, cleaning, tinkering, helping. He was the first person to arrive whenever someone needed assistance, whether for work, worship, or celebration. He was known for his quick wit, playful sense of humor, and his signature wink that could brighten anyone's day. To know Jim was to experience kindness without condition. He was generous beyond measure, unequivocally dependable, and profoundly selfless. His life reflected Christ's love through humble service, quiet sacrifice, and genuine joy. While those who loved him grieve his passing, they find comfort in knowing that his extraordinary example lives on in the countless lives he touched. To his family, he was truly a saint on this Earth. We also take comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with his parents.

Jim leaves behind his beloved wife of 51 years, Mary Cecilia Rizos; his treasured children, Gregory (Jessica), Daniel (Julia), Joseph, and Anne-Marie (William) Chapman; his cherished grandchildren, Amelia, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Peter, Margaret, Augustine, Henry, Luke, Eleanor, and Paul; his loving siblings, William "Bill" (Sue), Robert "Bob" (Christine), Suzanne (Angelo) Pietropoli, Kevin (Fatima), Brian, Jean Marie "GiGi" (the late Hank) Oset, Neil, and Eileen (Mel) Denehen; his sister-in-law, Jean (Scott) Koernschild; and many dear nieces, nephews, extended family members, parishioners, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jim's life during visitation on Friday, August 14th from 4 – 8:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville, New Jersey 07834. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Church. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's Church in Jim's memory. The Rizos family invites all who knew and loved Jim to share a favorite memory or story. Your memories will help continue the celebration of a life so beautifully lived and a man who gave so much of himself to others.

Live Stream Services through St. Mary's YouTube Page

*Please click here to watch Deacon Jim's Vigil Service at St. Mary's on August 14, 2026 at 7:00 pm*

*Please click here to watch Deacon Jim's Funeral Mass at St. Mary's on August 15th at 1:00 pm*