Ex-Belleville Mayor Jim Messina Dies: ‘Honor, Distinction’

BELLEVILLE, NJ — James “Jim” Messina, the former mayor of Belleville known for his dedicated service to the township, has passed away, officials announced Thursday. He was 72.

Belleville town officials offered the following background about Messina’s accomplishments:

“Mr. Messina was elected to the Township Council in 1990 and was appointed as mayor from July 1994 to July 1996. Construction on the public safety building was completed during his time as mayor. Also, a sweeping facelift to the inside and outside of City Hall was initiated while he was mayor. He later served as Belleville’s director of public works … Mr. Messina was known for his exuberance and his big laugh. He worked as a self-employed contractor and owned the Belleville Pub.”

Mayor Michael Melham said Messina served the town with “honor and distinction.”

“He had an uncommon commitment to making Belleville an even better place for its citizens,” Melham said. “His family, including his children, James Jr. and Christina, are in our thoughts and prayers.”

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