WILMINGTON — James Michael “Jim” Albanese, 53, was born Jan. 20, 1967, in Greensboro and passed on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2020.
Jim was preceded in death by his grandparents on both sides of his family, John R., and his wife, Alice Brown Lippincott, and Jerome, and his wife, Rose Ferrera Albanese; as well as his brother-in-law Jerry Johnson.
He is survived by his mother, Elise; father, Joseph; sister, Laura Johnson; and brothers Jerry, John and Tom. Jim was very close to his sister-in-law, Marianne, and closely followed the careers and future of his nephew, Matt Johnson; great-nephew, Lucas Johnson; and nieces, Marisa, Marla and Hannah Albanese. They were all very special to Jim. Jim’s special friends in Santiago, Dominican Republic, Yoelis and Yenitza, were very dear to him. Their love for Jim was unbounded. He is survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous very close friends that he touched over many years.
Jim lived in Greensboro for 13 years, where he attended Our Lady of Grace School. Jim was a Life Boy Scout and swam competitively for Greensboro Swim Association.
Jim moved with his family to Norcross, Georgia, outside Atlanta where he attended Norcross High School. He continued competitive swimming for the Dynamo Swim Club, where he excelled as an all-around swimmer.
In his formative years, when asked what college they wanted to attend, his siblings opted for University of North Carolina, Duke and North Carolina State. Jim, at a tender age of 5 years, replied that he wanted to attend “Redskins University!” From that day forward, he became an ardent sports fan, very knowledgeable in most phases of sports. His teams were the Atlanta Braves, North Carolina State basketball and football and the Washington Redskins.
Jim had a broad range of experience with strong leadership qualities. He graduated from the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, Georgia, in June 1992, earning bachelor of business administration degrees in management and finance. While at North Georgia, Jim attended Group Leadership Training, Reserve Officers Training Corps. He attended Airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he received his jump badge.
Upon graduation, Jim began a ladder of experience to include: ClarionIP.com Inc., SkyMax Communications, Bell South Business Systems, Elevon, Orion Network Projects. He subsequently became a leader in the telecommunications and contact center industry in the Dominican Republic as industry operations executive. He was the general manager and director of operations for SkyMax Dominicana, responsible for the livelihood of over 150 employees.
All who knew Jim are deeply saddened by his passing, yet each and every one is better today because of his impact upon us.
A family memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 9, at All Saints Catholic Church, 18737 US 17, Hampstead. A celebration will be held to honor Jim’s life at a later time to be announced.
In lieu of sending flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s name to New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation, 2001 S. 17th St., Wilmington, NC 28401 for outstanding care at the Zimmer Cancer Center); and the American Cancer Society, Suite 100, 1901 Brunswick Ave., Charlotte, NC 28207 (credited to Relay for Life of New Hanover County).
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
