James “Big Jim” Anastasia

You can take the boy out of Philadelphia, but no matter where he goes, you can't take Philly out of the boy.

James “Big Jim” Anastasia, age 51, of North Wilmington, son of Gerald and Charlotte Anastasia, was graduated from North Catholic High School and Temple University. He began his travels at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, and continued to work and travel in Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Africa. After 13 years in Ireland, he returned to Philly, married his beloved wife, Anne Shoemaker, and moved to Wilmington. He took his final trip on January 8, 2021.

Jim is survived by his wife, Anne of Wilmington; daughter, Elena, and son, James, of Ireland; recently discovered half-siblings, Constance Howard, Howard Berger, Daniel Huhnken, and Robert Huhnken and many life-long friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 6 pm on Friday, January 15 at NICHOLS-GILMORE FUNERAL HOME, 212 E. Justis St. Newport, DE 19804. Masks must be worn and social distancing enforced including maximum of 50 people in the funeral home at one time. The memorial service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim’s name may be made to any animal shelter or by planting a tree in his memory.