James G. Longo

Our beloved James G. “Jim” Longo was called home to our Lord on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at the age of 85.

Born March 8, 1938, to James and Violet Longo, Jim was a Chestnut Hill native who grew into a renowned innovator, inventing the belt drive to replace the electric chain drive in motorcycles in the 1970’s. Jim continued to create new inventions with his devoted wife of 45 years, Paula, including the open transmission plate and outboard bearing support system, forever changing how motorcycles were equipped and accessorized. 

Jim married Paula Hartley in 1978, and together raised 2 loving daughters, Nicole and Gina. Jim loved working together as a machinist with his wife and children in the family business, Karata Enterprises. There, Jim also nurtured other budding machinists in the details of his craft, mentoring them as family. He was also known to share gems of ‘Jim wisdom’ with his treasured friends and family, and could give you directions to any location at the drop of hat. When Jim wasn’t working, he enjoyed watching football, nascar, top fuel racing, wrestling, and any and all television crime dramas.

Jim is survived by his wife, Paula, his children Nicole and Gina, and his grandchildren Ava and Gianna, all of whom he loved dearly.

Join us to share in Jim’s loving memory and legacy on Friday, March 8, 2024 at Our Mother of Consolation Church (9 E Chestnut Hill Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118), with visitation beginning at 10am and memorial mass following at 11am. For those wishing to participate in Jim’s celebration of life virtually, a livestream of the service can be accessed through the OMC YouTube link below; streaming should begin just prior to the start of the 11am mass.

https://www.youtube.com/@ourmotherofconsolationpari6327/streams