Jess M. Eddeh

With great sadness we announce the passing of Jess Eddeh, age 77, of Pequannock.  Jess died peacefully with his wife Lois by his side.

Jess was born on July 8, 1946 to Michel and Mary (Massoud) in Jerusalem, Jordan.  He was the youngest of eight children.  Sadly, siblings John and Jeanette passed away at two weeks of age. 

For several years he lived within the walls of the “Old City” of Jerusalem.  The Holy Sepulchre and the Via Dolorosa and many other holy sights were right outside his door. He never realized he lived in a land of such sacred significance, to him it was home.

Jess graduated secondary school from De La Salle Frere’s College in Jerusalem in 1965.  While attending school, he had a dream to go to America, get a college education, a good job, and marry an American girl.

He immigrated to America along with his mother and brother Joseph in 1969.  Upon arriving he found employment at MGM Transport in Totowa, NJ where he would also find his “American Girl,” Lois.  It was love at first sight.  He often wondered how two people from opposite sides of the world could find each other.

They married on February 20, 1972 and moved to Alexandria, VA.  Jess was hired to be a radio announcer at the Voice of America in Washington DC to broadcast the news in Arabic to the Middle East.  It was an exciting opportunity, however, New Jersey called them back home. 

Jess graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and an Advanced Master’s Degree in Transportation and Logistics Management from the New School University in New York City.  It took many years to earn his degrees since he worked days and attended classes at night.

He became an International Logistics Manager and Specialist in contract rate negotiations for over thirty years.  Jess was employed with such companies as Estee Lauder in Melville, NY, Cosmair (Lancome Loreal) in Piscataway, NJ, and Loral Electronics in Yonkers, NY.  He also owned Paul’s Restaurant and Pizzeria in Totowa as well as Videography Etc., videotaping weddings on the weekends.

One of Jess’ favorite sayings was, “to seize the opportunity” which he certainly did.  He loved America and was truly grateful for everything it had to offer.

Things took a turn for the worse in 2001 when it was discovered that he had heart failure and needed a heart transplant.  His condition was so serious, it was necessary to implant a mechanical heart pump (LVAD) to keep him alive while waiting for a donor heart.  After five months, a miracle occurred.  Due to the generous decision of a grieving family, a heart became available.  He received his gift of life on September 16, 2001, twenty- two years ago!

Jess enjoyed life to the fullest traveling to many places including Hawaii nine times, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Alaska, Dubai, and several memorable cruises.  His favorite trip was taking his wife Lois to the Middle East to show her where he was born and raised.  He also traveled to Lebanon with his brother to discover their father’s roots.  This was truly a very emotional journey.

Sadly, in the last five years, he developed kidney and eventually liver failure, relying on dialysis to live.  He endured many medical problems, hospitalizations, and pain.  Always giving him hope were his three grandchildren.  No words could ever express how overjoyed he was to see them grow.  They brought much love and happiness to his life.

Jess is survived by his devoted wife Lois (Barbera) of Pequannock, NJ, his son Michael Eddeh, three grandchildren; Mitchell, Andie, and Russell of Pompton Plains, NJ, one brother Joseph Eddeh of Clifton, NJ, two sisters; Josephine Nimry of Amman, Jordan, and Yvonne Rai of Chicago, IL.  Also surviving and missing their KHALO (uncle) are many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by two sisters Clair Nammour and Renee Sahar, his son Daniel Eddeh (2015) and his beautiful daughter-in-law Kathleen Eddeh (2023) who’s untimely passing’s are still being mourned. 

Jess will be remembered for his kindness and generosity and devotion to his family.   He was a “Humble Hero” and a life long blessing.  He will be greatly missed. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jess’ name may be made to The NJ Sharing Network.