In Loving Memory of Those Who Appreciated Jimmy's Music

This is an opportunity to pay homage to loving family members and loyal friends of Jimmy who had a strong influence on his career. These people passed away too soon and we owe it to them to make them a lasting part of Jimmy's life. We also want to thank the dedicated fans of Jimmy Wilgus, who took the time to follow Jimmy's career, have inspired him to keep writing by listening to his music, and ask that you take a moment to say a prayer for the souls of those who have passed. They will be remembered and missed by all of us.

Jimmy's uncle, Joseph Rosario Occhipinti, Sr., age 77 of Long Branch, was born in Elizabeth, NJ, and lived in Long Branch for 58 years. Joe was the proprietor/Captain of the charter boat, Little Hawk in Atlantic Highlands and founder of Occhipinti & Sons Home Remodeling Co. He enjoyed music, carpentry, hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Bella Trio, an acappello trio with Jimmy's parents. Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Margaret Occhipinti; his son, Joseph Occhipinti and his wife Christine; 2 daughters, Paula Horniacek and her husband James, Maria Occhipinti and her partner Richard MacArthur; 5 grandchildren, Mary Horniacek, James Horniacek, Joseph Occhipinti, Nicholas Occhipinti and Anthony Occhipinti. He was predeceased by his grandson Matthew Occhipinti.

A cousin to Jimmy who died at the age of 26, Matthew Joseph Occhipinti, of Highlands NJ, was born in Long Branch and graduated from Henry Hudson High School in Highlands. He was a deckhand on the Sea Hunter in Atlantic Highlands and enjoyed baseball, fishing and hunting. Surviving are his parents, Maria Occhipinti and Richard MacArthur; his grandparents, Joseph and Margaret Occhipinti; aunts and uncles, Paula and James Horniacek; Joseph and Christine Occhipinti.

Derrick Kent Davis, 53, of Akron OH, departed this life June 27, 2016. He was born February 21, 1963 in Plainfield, NJ, the son of Rovella Pitter and Raymond Davis. Derrick attended Plainfield High School. He enjoyed music, traveling, electronics, sports, his family and educating the youth. Derrick was bassist for most of Jimmy's recordings and performances as well as a great bass vocalist. Jimmy enjoyed conversing with his grandma.

.Ronald G. Strebel, 51, of Whippany NJ, passed away on January 13, 2009. Ronald was born in Summit and grew up in Whippany where he was a life long resident. Ronnie was a dedicated talent and a bass player/compo ser for The Fakers. He was a loyal friend who considered Jimmy a mentor and was a regular at most of Jimmy's concerts.