James F. “Jim” Rosseel
August 18, 1947 - July 4, 2021
James F. “Jim” Rosseel, affectionately known as Big Daddy, Jimmy Boy, or Big Jim, age 73, of Middletown, DE, and formerly of Delaware City, DE, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, July 4, 2021.
Born in Brooklyn, NY on August 18, 1947, he was the son of the late James R. and Anna (Starace) Rosseel. Jim’s father was a seaman for Getty Oil and moved his family to his favorite port of Delaware City when Jim was 12 years old. He first attended St. Paul’s Grade School and then Salesianum High School, where he graduated in 1966.
At the age of 16, Jim joined the Delaware City Fire Company and became a life member. His career was dedicated to public service at the New Castle County Emergency Communications Center as a fire & medical dispatcher and supervisor. A leader in the fire service community, Jim held numerous offices, including 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Assistant Chief, 1st Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, and became Fire Chief in 1986. He was appointed Treasurer in 1971 and held this position for the past 50 years, with the exception of 1986.
Jim enjoyed playing cards, harness racing, and listening to music from the 50’s & 60’s, including Frank Sinatra. He was an avid Philadelphia sports fan and loved cheering on the Eagles. Another passion of his was reading books and watching movies related to American history. Most of all, Jim treasured the time spent with his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sharon. Together, they raised three children, Jamie (Michelle), Jason (Allyson), and Deanna (Brandon), who gave them seven beautiful grandchildren, Jonathan (22), Elizabeth (17), Taylor (14), Avery (11), Brooklyn (8), Colton (6), and Kinsley (2). Jim is also survived by his sisters, Maryann (Randy), Phyllis (Steve), and Annmarie; and extended family members.
The Rosseel family wished to express a heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of 2E at Christiana Hospital and Season’s Hospice for the excellent care Jim received.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 pm until 8 pm on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at Delaware City Fire Company, 815 5th Street, Delaware City, DE 19706. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 am on Friday, July 9, 2021, at St. Paul’s R.C. Church, 209 Washington Street, Delaware City, DE 19706. Burial will follow in New St. Paul’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to Delaware City Fire Company, P.O. Box 251, Delaware City, DE 19706 or to St. Paul’s R.C. Church, P.O. Box 544, Delaware City, DE 19706.
Randy Roberts
Rest in peace brother Jim. The fire service in Delaware is a better place because of you.
Rich Weaver
Jamie and Family
My heartfelt condolences on your loss. Jim was a great man.
Shelley Junginger
RIP Jim, gone but never forgotten.
Brad Laramore
So sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. JIM as I always called him. He was a Outstanding person who I really enjoyed working with in the 911 Center.
My Thoughts and Prayers go out to his family.
Brad
ELIABETH HALLETT
May Jim RIP and family be at peace that Jim will be with them always 🙏❤to the hole family Most missed friend from Pete and Ann Hallett.
Mary June & Joe Patterson
Sharon our thought and prayers go out to and your family. Love Mary June & Joe
John and Vinnie Hughto
Sharon and family, we are heartbroken to hear about the passing of Jim. So many life moments we have shared throughout the years through our children. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Barbara Ann Pietruczenia
Rest in peace, Jim. Thanks you for your years of service. You will be missed.
William Austin
May You be resting in God’s arms Sir. May Your family be able to find Peace and Healing in the loss of you, their loved one. In the short time that I have known you…I admired and respected you more than you know. Thank You for Your Service and all that YOU have done.
Till we meet again, Rest In Peace
Bill Austin
Sheila Skog
Jim was such a gentle, loving person. Family was always number one. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Jim. ❤️🙏🏼
Anthony Riccio
Jim was great Chief to work with. He always had a smile.
He was the Chief when I was a Paramedic at Station 6.
john atkinson
I was very proud to this man, who kept the Delaware City Fire Co in his thoughts at all times.
Bob Brabson
Rest In Peace Jim. Enjoyed getting to know you while dealing poker for you, Jamie and your friends at the monthly poker game at St Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Bob Brabson
Yvette Price
Jamie,
My condolences to you and your family.
Fran Ruba
My prayers are with you and the family.
Ray & Linda (Sartin) Graham
We are so sorry for your loss and we are praying for you and your family.
Robin Shetzler
What can you say about big jim, or chief as I knew him. I had the honor of working with jim at new castle county, and serving with him as a fire chief of another department. Jim was the go to person at a major fire when you needed help, fire that comes to mine is st georges lumber yard. In all my years of knowing jim he never said a negative word about anybody, if you couldn’t get along with jim it was your problem not his. Rest in peace chief I know you are in a better place, you may be gone but never forgotten. Station 15 will surely miss your guidance. Love you until we meet again
Judy Derrickson
Jim was a man whose life reflected his values. He valued his marriage, was a true family man and loved by all who knew him. Despite the pain of loss and tears that seem unending, I am hoping that in time, you will be able to reflect on the wonderful marriage you had and so many years of happiness. May those times bring sweetness to your thoughts and lift your heart.
With deepest sympathy,
Judy and Steve Derrickson
alfred g russell
Rest in peace Jim. The fire service and the 911 center is better because you part of those families. Prayers to all of your families. Jim you will be forever missed
Michael Ritz
May the special memories of Jim live on in your heart forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Xavier White
Watch over us Jim it was a pleasure. We got it from here big guy!!
Robin kuhls
“When we lose someone we love we must learn not to live without them but, to live with the love they left behind “
May that love give you peace and carry you through your grief..
Tom Koval
Please accept our deepest condolences.
Tom And Rita Koval
Terr Lambert
I am so saddened by the loss of Big Daddy. Jim was a special man. He treated me with the up most respect. He was my supervisor and mentor during my time at Fire Board, but most of all I considered him a friend and confidant. My heart goes out to his family who he loved and was so proud of.
Brenda Shivery
Sorry for your loss
Michael A McColley
Condolences to the Rosseel family. I worked with Jim on many incidents while stationed at NCC*EMS Medic 6. He was a good guy and always was concerned about the public’s safety.
davezappaterrini
Our sincere condolences
Flo Rini–Dave Zappaterrini
Tom Sweeney
Jim was always most welcoming and kind when I started as the EMS and 911 Medical Director for New Castle County twenty years ago. He was one of the quiet heroes who quietly did the work behind the scenes to get the trucks out and watch over their crews. Jamie, my deepest sympathies.
Donald L. Biddle
Always enjoyed working with Mr. Rosseel whether it was with NCC/EMS or the OFC. He would always search me out if we were in the same building to say Hi. Condolences to Mrs. Rosseel, Jamie, and Family. RIP Mr. Rosseel and God Bless. Best of the Best!
Kelly Daly
Just wanted to send my sincerest condolences to the Rosseel family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
James Romano
You will be missed my friend
Diane Silverman
Condolences to all of Jim’s family and fellow firefighters.He was a good friend and an inspiration to us all. He will be missed.
Al and Diane
Marlene Haman
Annmarie and The Rosseel Family,
Sorry for your lost and heartfelt condolences to your entire family.
Marlene Haman & Family
Frank Bailey, Jr. Chief Emeritus of the Volunteer Fire Company and wife Sandi
Our sincere sympathy and condolences to the entire family. Frank remembers him fondly through the fire service and as a dispatcher at the 911 call center. He will not be forgotten.
Celeste Netta
Annmarie,
So sorry to hear about your brother. He definitely served his community well, was loved and respected by all and he loved his family very much and will be dearly missed. Keeping you and the Rosseel family in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Celeste
Francis Bujnowski
Paula and I have fond memories of our visits. Please accept our Sincerest Sympathy and love to the Rossell family.
Susan Schauber
Sharon and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss.
wayne hill
HI Sharon and Family,
Please accept our most sincere condolences at the passing of your husband and Father. When we read Jim’s obituary it must be noted that beyond his family, he had an amazing life of service; And all of us are grateful for that: Many are called, but few are chosen.
Sincerely,
Ann & Wayne Hill
Lou Rombach
Always respected Jim as a dispatcher. He was the example of professionalism, experience and yet still maintained his personal touch. I am very sorry that I missed being able to honor him in person.
When the paramedic supervisor radio designations changed to ALS*, I received the number 15. Most called it ALS fifteen but, out of respect for those that I had worked with a the Delaware City Fire Company and (of course) Big Daddy I adopted ALS One Five. Also with Big Daddy’s authorization…and a Delaware City Fire Company dues donation!
Jim Rosseel, you and your entire family (relations and fire) will always be in my prayers.