Jim Devansky, 69, of Moorestown, New Jersey, passed peacefully in the arms of his family on November 5, 2025, following a courageous battle with bladder cancer.
Jim was born in Staten Island, New York to Bill and Edna (Liesenberg) Devansky, on October 16, 1956, and grew up in Old Bridge, New Jersey. He loved childhood road trips to Florida, despite sitting in the middle seat in the back of the family station wagon, attending Grateful Dead concerts, and camping in the Adirondacks with friends as a teenager. His adventurous spirit and passion for travel only grew during his adult life.
After graduating from college, Jim drove across country and ended up living in California for a year. Jim’s wanderlust subsided, and he resided in New Jersey for the remainder of his life. He proudly worked for Philips Lighting for nearly 35 years, retiring in 2019.
He married the love of his life and best friend, Paula, on May 24, 2003. Together they raised four children – Matthew Devansky (Elaine), Melissa Ferrara (Sean Hadley), William Ferrara and Paul Ferrara. They traveled the world, held each other up following William’s passing in 2018, co-parented their grandson, Nico Ferrara, with patience and love, and burst with joy and laughter in the company of their grandchildren, Arthur and Paulina Hadley.
He claimed he was a simple guy, and, in many ways, he was. He loved a Turner Classic movie and birdwatching from his sunroom. But, in others, he was truly exceptional. A towering man with an even bigger heart, Jim loved unconditionally. He graciously served as a cat tree to a very scared, newly rescued kitten. He adored the companionship of the family dogs. He was quick to forgive, never complained (aside from being an exceptionally picky eater), and loved a good joke.
Jim’s brother Gary Devansky and sister-in-law Joan were a tremendous comfort and support to him. He is also survived by his brother Kenneth Devansky (Charlene), and nephews, Eric, Andrew, Jonathan and Patrick.
Visitation will be Wednesday, November 12, from 4-6 p.m., and Thursday, November 13, from 9-10 a.m., with a memorial service to commence immediately thereafter. All services will be held at the Mount Laurel Home for Funerals, 212 Ark Rd, Mt Laurel Township, NJ 08054, and the memorial service will be livestreamed at Mount Laurel Home for Funerals – YouTube.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s memory to the Burlington County Animal Alliance, at BCAAOFNJ.org or by mailing a check to BCAA, c/o Sue Coculo, 668 Shady Lane, Hamilton, NJ 08619.
