James Michael Farace

James Michael Farace, more fondly known as “Jimmy” or “Jim” went home to our Lord Jesus on April 21, 2023, surrounded by those he loved the most and those who loved him. Jimmy was born in Baltimore, Maryland on April 6, 1944 to Frank Joseph Farace Sr. (of Cefalu, Palermo, Sicily) and Norma Elizabeth Farace (nee Letmate of Baltimore). He was a self-made man, entirely devoted to his family and he dedicated his life to the well-being of those he loved.

Jimmy was always willing to lend a helping hand or create an opportunity for someone to earn a living. He was a man of many talents and skills; fiercely loyal, generous, proud of his Italian heritage, and even more proud to be a patriot. He was a chef in his own right, loved to dance and travel the world with his beautiful Isabella, garden, boat, fish, gamble, raise/race thoroughbreds, and throw parties.

In 1965 Jimmy married the love of his life and soulmate, Isabella Bernazki. They met at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Baltimore where Isabella was a dance instructor. Together they raised a family, traveled the world, started businesses, hobnobbed with entertainers, and lived la dolce vita. Jimmy was in the grocery business his entire life. An entrepreneur from the time he was a small child helping his father with the family vegetable stall in Hollins Market, to Midget Foods where his mentor Leonard Reese taught him the grocery business. At the age of 30, he opened his first grocery store, Jim’s Super Thrift in Edgewood, Maryland, eventually adding three more stores. In 1978 he ran for President of Harford County Council, taking the primary and losing the general. Thereafter, he built a new grocery store, Jim’s Food World, in Elkton, Maryland and later transitioned to management at Giant Foods. He retired and moved to South Carolina where he spent his last years dedicated to the taking care of his beloved wife.

Jimmy lived a big life and loved bigger than life. He took care of and loved everyone. His departure from this life leaves a giant hole in many hearts and lives. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 58 years, Isabella of Summerville, SC. Loving children: Charmayne Bella Weatherford (Jadean) of Summerville, SC and James Leonard Farace of New Freedom, PA. Adoring granddaughters: Krista DeMicco (Rick) of Summerville, SC; Kayla Ward of Stuart, FL; Morgan Farace of New Freedom, PA; Sophia Weatherford of Summerville, SC. Beloved siblings: older sisters Concetta Manuli of Newtown, PA, Mary Distel of Woodbine, MD and younger brother Vince of Joppa, MD, as well as many well-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins too numerous to name. Jim is predeceased by older siblings Frank Jr., Marguerite Cosden, Cosimo Farace and his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the home of Jim & Isabella in Summerville. Flowers are welcomed or a donation to Wounded Warriors in his honor.

Arrangements by Parks Funeral Home, 130 West 1st North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. www.parksfuneralhome.com

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