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Note: We discovered that Jimmy had passed away while researching
information after the recent passing of one of the members of his show in the mid-1960s.
We include this obituary notice from 2006 to document his passing belatedly.
James F. “Jimmy Stephens” Papillo known as the
“New England Country Gentleman”, 76, of Valley
Grove, Wheeling, WV, passed away Saturday, April
29, 2006 in the Wheeling Hospital, after a long,
valiant battle with many cancers.
He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, May 26,
1929, son of the late Frank and Antoinette Falvo
Papillo.
“Jimmy” enlisted in Special services of the Armed
Forces. Six weeks after, a heart murmur was
detected, and he was given an honorable discharge.
He was a self-employed musician and entertainer
as a member of the WWVA Jamboree USA for forty
years, at the Capitol Music Hall, and also
performed at the Victoria Theater in Wheeling, and
performed at the very first Jamboree in The Hills
event. He performed at many Benefits in the local
area as well as the many concerts throughout the
North East and Canada, and was well known in many
local churches for his gospel music. He worked
many of the U.S. O. tours including Thule Air
Force Base in Greerland.
A loving and caring person, he touched the hearts
of each and every person he met and was dearly
loved by his family, friends and many fans.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in
death by a sister, Marie Gilberto.
Surviving are a daughter, Jomana M. Krupinski and
her husband, Mark of Triadelphia, WV; three sons,
James F. Papillo and his wife, Joanne; Stephen
Papillo and his wife, Kathleen all of Conn.; and
Anthony F. Papillo and his wife, Annette of West
Hollywood, CA; two step-children, Robert L. Young
and his wife, Lori of Valley Grove, WV; and Robin
L. Raineri and her husband, Jim of Avella, PA; his
step-mother, Mary Janice Papillo of Norma, NJ;
eight grandchildren; several nieces and nephews;
two life-long, musical friends, Smiley Roberts, of
Nashville, Tenn. and Alan McElwain of Wheeling;
two special friends, Joseph Mascolo of CA, and
Cleo Whitecotton of Wheeling; Jimmy had a very
special relationship with his singing partner of
41 years, and former wife, Jo Ann Davis
(Vandergriff).
There will be no visitation. Friends are invited
to attend a memorial service, Saturday, May 13,
2006, at 11 a.m. the Capital Music Hall, Main
Street, Wheeling, with the Reverend Roland Boggs
officiating. Interment to be held at the
convenience of the fmaily.
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