James L. Palmeri

James L. Palmeri, age 82, of Jefferson City, MO, passed away on Monday, April 11, 2022, at the Brunswick Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, a Veterans Administration locale in rural Missouri. He was born on March 2, 1940, in Ironwood (Mich.), the son of the late Louis and Ann (Buckner) Palmeri. He graduated from Iron River (Mich.) High School in 1958, having served as senior class president. He then displayed leadership in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962. Having served his country honorably, he chose in 1963 to pursue his collegiate studies in his home region of Marquette, MI. He completed that mission in 1967 by graduating from Northern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. James married Catherine Ann Stasaski on August 15, 1959, at the Assumption Church in Iron River, MI. The couple moved downstate in 1967 to Grand Rapids when James went to work for the State of Michigan. He remained with the Michigan Employment Security Commission until 1985 when he became Director of Job Placement for Grand Rapids Junior College. He remained in that position until he retired in May 2009. His most significant goodwill effort came in 1989 when he and Catherine served as co-chairs for Festa Italiana in Grand Rapids. He led an event expansion from Monroe Mall to Calder Plaza as the festival broke all previous records for crowds and revenues. Proceeds went to three local charities. His main hobby was golfing. He also was a Green Bay Packers fan. James is survived by his brother, Rick of Jacksonville, FL; his son, Allen (Susan) Palmeri of Jefferson City, MO; son, Mark (Michelle) Palmeri of Franklin, Tenn.; seven grandchildren, Amy, Asa, David, and Sophia, all of Jefferson City and Andrew, Sky, and Erica of Franklin; and one great grandchild, Ashlynd, of Franklin. He was also preceded in death in 2020 by his wife of 60 years, Catherine and his parents, Louis and Ann. A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 2, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Resthaven Cemetery in Iron River with Rev. Jose Cherian to officiate. The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James L. Palmeri, please visit our flower store.