(from: Star-Ledger Obituaries, September 11th, 2011)

James-Michael Izzo, 34, passed away on Aug. 31, 2011. A memorial service for James will be held on Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. in St. Jude’s Church, 40 Maxim Dr., Hopatcong, N.J. James attended Hopatcong High School, where he played trombone in the school band. He received a telecommunications degree from County College of Morris. He was a musician and composer signed to the indie label Middle Pillar with his band, Thread. He performed in venues in New York, Greenwich Village, Philadelphia and Newark. His first CD received rave reviews from Spin Magazine and he is credited for creating a new music genre called Dark Wave. He composed, engineered, and recorded lyrics and music for the Diva Jarboe of the Swans. He earned his black belt in Ishin Rhu Karate, participating for 10 years in the program. Memorial donations may be made to the Hopatcong High School music department.