Mr. James E. Trotta

James Ernest Trotta passed away in his home on January 22, 2026. Jim is predeceased by his wife of nearly 40 years, Mary “Mimi” Trotta (nee: Ogden). He is survived by his daughter, Sarah Trotta and his son-in-law, Dan McClory; his partner, Christi Talent; his sister, Ann Marie Roys; and his dog, Frankie. Jim is also predeceased by his brothers Joseph, Patrick (Wanda), and Kevin (Terry); and parents, Patrick and Agnes Trotta. Jim was born to Patrick and Agnes on December 22, 1940, in Bronx, NY. He prided himself on living in all five boroughs of New York during his childhood and young adulthood, and spoke most fondly of living in Greenwich Village in the 60’s, where he worked as a professional musician. He played classical guitar in the style of Brazilian Jazz and studied closely under renowned musicians including Stan Getz, Andrés Segovia, and Antônio Carlos Jobim. Jim was particularly close with classical guitarist Charlie Byrd, who went on to become his daughter’s Godfather. Intellectually and professionally, Jim was very gifted. He worked as an optical physicist with a special focus in telescope and satellite technology. As an optical engineer with NASA, he was a lead scientist on the Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope and was mesmerized by the sky. He was aware of his brilliance and liked to tell others that he was indeed a rocket scientist, but never boasted about his professional success. In his free time, Jim enjoyed his Ham Radio hobby and was fluent in Morse Code, which he insisted was a language, inspiring him to passionately identify as bilingual. He played guitar for local churches and community groups after his retirement and enjoyed spending quiet evenings on the porch of his country farmhouse admiring the deer, birds, and other creatures who came to visit. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held promptly at 11 AM Saturday February 7, 2026 in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 304 Kings Highway, Clarksboro, NJ. There will be no calling hours prior to the service time. Arrangements by McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Society of Women Engineers (swe.org). Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.

Mr. James E. Trotta

December 22, 1940 - January 22, 2026