James Francis “Jimmy” Bagnell, 58, son of the late Thomas J. Bagnell, Jr. and Marie Walsh Bagnell, peacefully passed away January 10, 2024, surrounded by his loving siblings. Jimmy exemplified the zest of human spirit, and he leaves behind a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Jimmy graduated from Lansdale Catholic High School (Class of 1983) and La Salle University (Class of 1987). His heart’s greatest treasure was family and Jimmy’s love for his family was immense. He cherished time together with friends from all walks of life and cast a wide net of circles and groups. Jimmy reminded us of the value of family and friendships. A legacy of epic echoing of the laughter of family and friends, old and new, lives on.
In every area of life, Jimmy radiated his warm and nurturing spirit that was constantly reaching out into the lives of others. He understood the joy of being generous with the gifts that God had given to him. He found beauty and meaning in simple things and explored life with daily vim and vigor. In that spirit, Jimmy will be fondly remembered as kind, funny, adventurous and compassionate.
Jimmy is survived by his loving siblings and family, Marie La Prise (David), Jane Ginsberg (Greg), Tom Bagnell (Andrea), John Bagnell, and Kathy Finnegan (John) and his adoring nieces and nephews, Jennifer Ginsberg Brown (Kevin), Kathleen Ginsberg, Elizabeth Ginsberg, Meg Ginsberg, Caroline La Prise McGinn (Sean), John La Prise (Rebecca), Benny Bagnell, Tommy Bagnell, Amelia Bagnell, Jack Bagnell, Colleen Bagnell, Shannon Bagnell, Jessie Bagnell, Sam Bagnell, Tommy Finnegan and Charlie Finnegan.
A receiving time will be held on Monday, January 15th, at Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, 900 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale, Pa, from 9:00 am to 11:45 am, immediately followed by Words of Remembrance and Mass at 12:00 noon. Interment will be private. The family welcomes you to join us to remember and celebrate Jimmy’s life.
Donations in Jimmy’s memory can be made to Lansdale Catholic High School–The Crusader Fund–at https://www.lansdalecatholic.com/.
My heartfelt condolences to Jim’s family and friends. What a tremendous loss for you and all whose lives he impacted positively.
Jim and I shared a few years together on LaSalle Crew. He was by far one of the kindest, thoughtful, sincere, funny and caring humans I have ever met. I only saw him a few times since but I was always struck by his giant genuine heart.
If we all could take some of what he shared with us and pass it on, the world will be a better place.
Thank you, Jim. May you be a “Spirit in the Sky” for all who loved you.
Knowing you, Jim, made a positive difference in my life. Thanks for making me laugh (especially with your Robert DeNiro impression! I enjoyed our conversations and your friendship..
To the Bagnell family,
My condolences. I worked with Jim at MCI. Although it was a long time ago it is still very easy to see Jim’s brilliant smile and feel the warmth of his great personality. He was truly a gift and will be missed. May Jim RIP.
I am so sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. He truly did light up a room when he entered it. He will be missed. My condolences to your family.
I met Jim in the cafeteria on our first day at La Salle in 1983. I’ll never forget he was wearing a tye-died shirt cut-off jeans, and a head band. My initial impression which never changed was that he genuinely cared about people and always had your best interest in mind. He was wise beyond his years and his persona and advice greatly influenced me. I caught up with Jim on social media many years later and it was as if we spoke every day. I recall sharing the excitement of my sons first homerun and Jim was as excited as me. And when I saw his TV commercial, I was extremely proud to tell everyone he was my friend and what a great guy he was. My condolences to Jim’s family and friends. His spirit will live on through all of those he touched.
Tom, I’m so sorry to hear of your brothers passing. He sounded like an amazing guy and will be sorely missed. My condolences.
Joe Hartnett
News of Jimmy’s passing is heartbreaking. I had the pleasure of meeting him twice; however, you only had to meet him once to never forget him. He had a warm, generous spirit and big smile that drew you in and made you feel like you were talking & laughing with a dear old friend. He was indeed special.
My sincere sympathies and condolences to the Bagnell family and Jimmy’s many friends on your profound loss. I pray his memory continues to bless your lives.
Rest easy, sweet Jimmy.
I was so shocked and upset to hear about Jim’s passing. He was someone you couldn’t forget. He was such a great personality and had an optimistic outlook on life and he could touch so many lives with his upbeat and kind persona. He will be very much missed. My thoughts are with his family,
Greer Lange
I only knew Jimmy a short time. I met him at Cedarbrook CC. We had several conversations about the kind of music we both liked. He was very knowledgeable and he was kind enough to share his music collection with me. I will always remember his infectious smile and his sense of humor. I pray he is at peace.
Bags !!!!! Mr. Excitement. Our lives are better because we knew you. Outstanding human being! Fabulously curious. Contagious joy for life. Chiropractic and natural health/wellness zealot. I’ll miss our conversation and fellowship buddy! Into the arms of Jesus.
The news of Jim’s passing is devastating. Jim (Jimmy) never met someone he didn’t consider a friend. We worked together at MCI, and Jim was the most loved person there and probably the most fun. His zest for life, his kindness and sense of humor, and his ability to make everyone think they were important were gifts. Jim was a gift, and his legacy of love and laughter will live through our memories. Love you, Jim, and thank you for all the great times. Rest in Peace, Brother.
Only crossed paths with Jimmy every so often but he always left me feeling better than before talking with him. A tremendous person in all respects. The world is a lesser place without him in it. God bless Jim and the Bagnell family.
Paul Gaffney
I knew Jimmy through my son Tim. He would come over to our house on his American Indian motorcycle,a classic! No helmet sometimes no shirt and he and Tim would fly around the field in back! Always a great smile and hello. RIP Jimmy
From the year or less I knew Jim from living at The same farm in Perkasie he was the guy you describe, we are all so busy but the one night we hung out to celebrate the other guys birthday we were laughing and sharing stories, I will miss Jimmy, we will miss Jimmy it is such a shock,
Jimmy is in Heaven with with Jesus and everlasting life, resting in Peace waiting for all who choose the path of Everlasting Life with God Our Father. To Family and Friends my deepest sympathies and condolences I am so sorry for your loss
I met Jim 8 years ago when he started working at Normandy Farm. He was a very interesting and unique person. He was humble and down to earth, he could talk to anyone anytime or anywhere. We worked together and eventually became friends. He was a joy to spend time with, we had many good laughs and good meals together. We were both lovers of fine food and drink and I enjoyed experiencing and discussing culinary arts with him. Jim left his imprint on everyone’s heart and the whole of the Normandy Farm staff was so saddened to hear the news of his passing. Jim, I love you friend. There is only one of you.
Jim aka “Bags” as so many of us affectionately knew him was a friend. An acting buddy of nearly 20 years. He was always a ray of sunshine to be around. I enjoyed working with him but also just the times hanging out during auditions ot social gatherings. He had the best stories and was always a joy to be around. He was such a large presence in the Philadelphia acting community and will be sorely missed. I will miss him and so will the acting community and more. My deepest sympathies for Jim’s passing.
Jimmy Bagnell
Earth Angel to God’s Heavenly Embrace
1965-2024
By MaryBeth DiNunzio
In the limelight’s glow, where tales unfold,
Jimmy danced through life, a narrative bold.
Actor, model, host, roles diverse and grand,
A soul vibrant, a universe in his command.
Laughter that echoed, lighter than air,
Jim, earth’s angel, a spirit rare.
Encounters with him, hearts aglow,
A warmth, a joy, a captivating flow.
From stage to screen, his talents soared,
Voiceovers whispered, an encore adored.
Zest for life, explored with vim and vigor,
With each adventure, his passion bigger.
Funny, loving, adventures embraced,
Compassion woven, never to be erased.
In the embrace of family, his heart found its home,
Cherished moments, where love would roam.
Sibling to Marie, Jane, Tom, John, and Kathy,
Uncle to nieces and nephews, a family so happy.
In the tapestry of their hearts, Jimmy, you reside,
A treasure of love, forever their guide.
A world made brighter by your gifts divine,
A touch of heaven in every line,
In rough times, a pillar of love, standing strong,
Especially for your mother, during her swan song.
From high school’s home room, your jersey bold,
Into adulthood, where our paths and stories unfold.
Your holistic spirit, intuitive and true,
Each encounter, blessed and better with you.
From Earth Angel to God’s embrace,
A heavenly guide, in eternal space,
Grant us strength and teach us love.
Jim, watch over us from up above.
Archangel Michael may bear his sword,
But you, Jim, your gun forever stored,
On hip or ankle, a guardian true,
Now from above divine protector too.
Our tears flow for our love runs deep,
Our hearts are broken, but your memory we will keep,
The curtain has been drawn, your final bow taken
Forever our earth angel, your love not forsaken.
Until we meet again sweet Jimmy Bagnell
May the Angels welcome you home
And may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Some of my fondest, and most hilarious musical memories of high school were playing guitar with Jim in my parent’s basement. Over the years, I’ve thought of him regularly & will continue to share his memory.
My deepest sympathies to the Bagnell family,
Tom Francis
Jim was a special guy. As a person and as an actor. Always had a smile for everyone, and his talent was shared with all. Jim touched so many people and his memory will live on. This is such sad news. Our hearts go out to his family and friends, may his memory be a blessing.
So sorry for your loss.I went to high school with Jim he was always a happy person. He has always helped people when needed.
There will never be another Jim Bagnell. He was a tireless champion for anyone that knew him. He cannot be described in the space allotted. He was complicated and simple at the same time. There are many metrics for a “good life” and if happiness is one then Jim had one of the best lives a person could have.
Too soon gone.
Jim and I had many fun shoots together – such a pleasure to work with, not only for his professionalism but also for his talent, kindness and wit which he always brought to the table. You will be missed, Jim.
We had some really great conversations about caring for our elderly family members. His love for his mother and family stuck with me. My condolences to his family. 💖💖 His presence will be missed by many
I have known Jimmy close to 50 years if not a littler over 50. Went all through grade school and high school and would see him from time to time out and about. He was the most caring, funny, and sympathetic person I knew! He was there for me and my family when my parents passed away and when my son was thinking of going into acting. He gave him some good advice and I will never forget that!
I am truly sorry for your loss and may God give you the comfort and peace knowing Jimmy is Home with The Lord, Our Father. God Bless the Bagnell family!
Pam (Maginnis) Moyer
Many times, written eulogies can inflate one’s actual impact upon other’s lives. But as anyone who has ever had the slightest contact with Jimmy Bags, the eulogy actually seems like a severe understatement. From the moment you first shook his hand, along with his rugged chiseled features, he would make such an impression upon you that you could never forget him. And it wasn’t just a one-up thing, either, but whatever the two of you discussed and he promised, he would follow up with action because he wasn’t simply a promiser, but a doer. And if you were really, really lucky, he would befriend you as he did me at a very low time in my life, and it wasn’t simply an “act” but a genuinely warm and heartfelt friendship, and it is that that I will forever carry with me in my memories of him.
Dear Bagnell Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Jimmy’s passing. Peter and I stayed at Normandy Hotel and Conference Center a couple times in 2021 and spent a good amount of time catching up with him. He was the same lightbulb I remembered from the old neighborhood and growing up. You had the feeling he was really listening when you spoke. And so curious and kind too! The laugh infectious!!! And how he loved to talk about his siblings. Much love on his face.
I’m so sorry to hear this news. I knew Jim as an actor. He would attend many auditions that I held at my company. I booked Jim for numerous commercials and corporate film.
Jim had a special personality that permeated a room. My clients (film directors) enjoyed his auditions. He was fun and upbeat and a pleasure to work with. He left the clients laughing with his impersonations. This helped lighten the audition room, especially with his Robert DeNiro act.
He had that special quality of being down to earth and connecting with people. He was well-loved. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
So sorry to hear the news of Jim’s passing. I graduated high school with him in 83 but didn’t know him very well. I attended a few high school reunions and spoken to him there a few times he was always smiling and a pleasure to talk to. My deepest condolences go out to his close friends and family members. May he RIP
Dennis third floor girls at LaSalle University thinking of Jim and the family xoxo❣️
Lisa Pileggi Stefkovic, Debbie Chiaravallotti Scolieri, Linda Cassno , Jill Dice Malgier, Deana Luzzi and our angel Kathi Bertino Donia 🙏🙏🙏🙏 as well as Ernie Stefkovic and Donna Pomponi Jackson !
I remember Jim bringing Red White and Blue bandanna’s to the Philadelphia Dragon Boat Team while preparing for a race in Hong Kong. Always a big smile, and enthusiasm.
Jim has rented from me at the Stone Ridge Farm Country Inn for the past year and a half….and after 25 years of having guests and tenants he had to be one of my favorites…in the top three, leading the pack. What a gem! What a pleasure it was to always meet up with him and have a great time and conversation. I have been so lucky to have had him in my life for such a short time, But I am always going to think and remember him for the rest of my life…..
World’s a little darker without you Jim thanks for being a bright light.
First met Jim back in the spring of 1989, dragon boating, another one of his early passions. Such a class act and someone who I wish I had seen more of in recent years. We did gather as a team of old boys a couple of years back and it was if time didn’t change a thing. A great guy who will be missed by many.
Jim’s passing leaves me shocked and shaken. How can a spirit so upbeat, energetic, and positive be gone?
As soon as I entered the acting world 15 years ago, Jim was there. We were in the same orbit – crossing paths in audition rooms from Baltimore to New York. However I was blessed to call him a friend over countless lunches that would last til dinner time, killing afternoons people-watching at coffee shops, hijinks at the General Lafayette Inn, years of photoshoots where he had no problem mugging for my camera, even accompanying me to my first Springsteen concert where he left his phone in the seat cup upon leaving, yet somehow managed to get it back through the kindness of strangers.
More importantly, it’s Jim’s infectious vibe of energy and positivity that warmed my heart then and now. True, he could talk and chatter me into submission, but now, the silence is deafening.
With deepest sympathies,
Paul Monte
Shocking to read this tragic news. I haven’t seen Jim in quite a while but when I did cross paths he was always so upbeat and positive.
He could make you laugh and make you smile, and will be
sorely missed.
Prayers and condolences to his family!
Doug Eberhart
Sending my sincere sympathy and love to my dear Bagnell family. My heart aches for you as you mourn the passing of your amazing Jimmy.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Joan Bonfiglio
I could write a book about Jim. He was one of my favorite people and I was one of his biggest fans. He can light up any room and his energy was infectious. Always positive energy he gave and loved receiving. We can all agree he could talk a dog of a meat counter! Always interesting , fun , informative, uplifting conversations either talking or texting. So thankful for my second husband (as he was many times over the years on my jobs) Jim and I have known each other for over 25 years from where I met him while bartending at the General to find out we were in the same line of work as models / actors. Getting to work with him over the years on jobs was always so fun when I would find out we were working together. He became a part of my family , coming to family parties over the years and being loved by anyone who met him. Thinking life without having Jim in it is unbearable , but I know we all have to carry his positive energy around and remember anytime the sun is shining down its Jim as he loved and needed his Vitamin D.
I’ll always remember him saying you remember people by the way they make you feel when your around them , well Jimmy Bags you are one of a kind and always made me laugh and made me happy to know you. You have touched my life and anyone I introduced to you would always say the same. I know throughout a career that you choose , could sometimes be uncertain of when work was coming in, what is the next step, what is plan B. But one thing is for certain Jim you made everyone’s life better knowing you and lucky enough to be a true friend. You will be forever missed and cherished ❤️
Your Friend Jen T the B
I knew Jim from video jobs and it was always a bonus when Jim was with us. He was totally positive as a creative force. We will meet again my friend. God Bless
I met Jim when I first got into the acting business some 7 years ago. He was gracious and kind to this rookie, and we enjoyed a few meals together after auditions during which he was free and easy with insight, advice and a listening ear. You will be missed my friend! God bless. Rest in peace!
Never to be forgotten — the humor, the kindness, the warmth. Jim radiated everything good and loving. A sad, sad piece of news, but let the treasures he gave us live on and grow and be given to others.