BELLEVILLE — James “Jim” Messina, the former Mayor of Belleville, has died.
He was 72.
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 mayoralty. Also, a sweeping facelift to the inside and outside of Township Hall was initiated while he was mayor.
He later served as Belleville’s Director of Public Works.
“He served the township with honor and distinction,” Mayor Michael Melham said in a statement. “He had an uncommon commitment to making Belleville an even better place for its citizens. His family, including his children, James Jr. and Christina, are in our thoughts and prayers.”
Mr. Messina was known for his exuberance and his big laugh. He worked as a self-employed contractor and owned the Belleville Pub.
