James “J.J.” Sunseri

Your smile was contagious and our times together even though few were always memorable. You will be missed Jimmy. What a nice memorial service where you were honored by so many who appreciated and loved you.

In deepest sympathy to JJ’s family, Judith, all his former co-workers and friends. He was a dedicated member of The Jockeys’ Guild and supported the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Foundation with generous donations toward silent auctions to help. JJ was also a devout supporter of the race track chaplaincy.

J.J. lookin’ great stunt riding in major motion picture DREAMER.
I’m watching often, thinking of our beloved “J.J.” as I recall how thrilled he was to be chosen for that elusive honor.
RIP brother, LL

J.J. excelled in so many racing skills and was an all around terrific horseman.
As a racing fan, he impressed me when he showed up in the leading rider standings at River Downs around 2004.
His expertise as a Quarter Horse rider in the 350 yard races at River Downs astounded me.
He was real friendly and so full of life. His spirit lives on.

JJ was always one of the first to the track in the morning and one of the last to leave at the end of the day. His smile and happiness traveled every step of every day with him and he always gave 110 percent on his racing mounts. A class act and ambassador to horse racing he blessed all of us that were fortunate to know him. The heavens are very blessed today. Rest In Peace, E.J.Sipus Jr

Terrible news to hear of JJ’s passing. He was always smiling and such a nice human being, no one ever had a negative thing to say about him. I remember being in the jockey’s room one day when I hear a cheer go up. It was because JJ won that particular race and it seemed everyone rooted him on. He was one of a kind, the kind we need more of in this world! Rest in peace buddy! – Chip Bach

JJ, you are so greatly missed. I recall all you wanted to do was ride. You picked up any and every mount. It was a pleasure to know you, call you friend and ride with you. May your family find comfort in knowing how well you were loved by your racetrack family. The track will be missing you for sure. Rest In Peace my friend. Kitty & Mike Manganello

JJ was one of the nicest guys I ever met. I cant remember him without a smile on his face. It was a very sad day to lose such a good person. You will always be remembered my friend Greg Spencer

My father was the security guard at Turfway in the jocks room coming with my dad to work and spending time in the room I was drawn to JJ because of his tremendous smile and he didn’t ignore me as being the annoying kid in the jocks room asking questions about the races. Every time I wanted to know something about racing or horses in general JJ would take time out of what he was doing and answer my question with so much enthusiasm when I got older and was playing high school football JJ was so interested in how I was doing and would talk football with me. JJ became a great friend of mine and I will miss our convos dearly

For most of the 40 plus years I called races at Turfway J.J. was riding . I used to come in every night through the jocks room. I enjoyed seeing some of the riders and having brief conversations. J.J. was one of my favorites. He called me “paisan” and always had a smile on his face. I was very saddened to see that he had passed and my condolences go out to all his family and friends. He will definitely be missed.
Mike Battaglia

I will miss Jimmy! We were best friends at St Joseph Home for Children in Erie-Pa, & were class mates at Prep. I sent him multi eMails & visited his adopted parents looking for him. Unfortunately, We were unsuccessful at contacting each other over the years. I pray that he is at peace & in a better place now. Peter B

JJ, a selfless, kind, patient gentleman (and gentle man), was our faithful, dependable, gutsy (Jock’s) ROOM RIDER. He was Moonlite Gardens’ joy-filled dancer, a loyal N Ky Elks Club member, super Coney Island lap swimmer, selfless & generous man who supported those in need including children facing cancer. He put his whole self into every endeavor. I was very blessed to have known him since our initial meeting at Balmoral in Chicago (1980s), to have him at my birthday dinner at my home in 2020, and to personally see him to wish him happy holidays on Thanksgiving Day, 2020. My deepest sympathy to his Uncle Jack of Erie, PA and his entire family, his sweetheart Judith, and ALL of those fortunate enough to belong to his circle of friends. RIP JJ! Larry LaGue, Ret Jockey

So sorry to read of Jimmy’s death. I haven’t seen him since high school. He was such a good kid and a tough little wrestler for Erie Prep! Please accept my deepest sympathy.

JJ was a very dear friend who will remain in our hearts forever. His friendly smile and outgoing personality would light up any room including the jock’s room. He was a great guy, an outstanding athlete, and a long-time sincere friend. He was one of the most honest, loyal friends we’ve ever known. JJ was generous to the extreme, always putting others first. He is already sorely missed. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Judith, JJ’s and Judith’s families, his Elks Club group, and his many other friends and colleagues.