The world of wrestling is in mourning following the death of Jimmy the Jester, real name James Pasquale, aged just 34.
The New Jersey-based fighter and gymnastics coach passed away on Wednesday after suffering serious injuries in a car crash, friends have said.
Tributes have poured in for the pro fighter, who began his career in 2019 and was a member of the iconic Monster Factory wrestling school.
His friends, family and members of the wrestling community shared their sadness at the loss of the Jester, who was described as having a ‘contagious bright energy’.
Following his untimely death, MailOnline takes a look at the life and times of the self-proclaimed ‘Clown Prince of Professional Wrestling’.
Tributes have poured in for the pro wrestler, who began fighting in 2019 and was a member of the famous Monster Factory wrestling school. Pictured winning a Tag Team Turmoil fight in 2021
Early life
Born in Old Bridge, New Jersey, Pasquale grew up in the town of Belvidere.
He attended Belvidere High School and schoolmates have flooded his social media with tributes following his death.
He was said to have been an outstanding athlete from a young age, gaining the spotlight at school for his impressive abilities in wrestling and gymnastics.
After graduating he was admitted to the Warren County Community College.
There, he pursued his dream of making a career in athletics, and reportedly started wrestling professionally for independent promotions early on.
Wrestling career
During his career he competed in WWWA, Lucha Riot, Titan Championship Wrestling Entertainment, Atomic Championship Wrestling and Stand Alone Wrestling.
Pasquale began wrestling under the gimmick ‘Jimmy the Jester’ at the various promotions and his persona seemed to gel well with his humorous and quirky personality.
It saw him taunt his opponents and entertain his audiences with unexpected stunts and tricks.
His bravado was clear to see in one pre-match interview where he described himself as a ‘goofy’ underdog who was nevertheless focused on winning.
He would always don joker-style face paint and brightly colored spandex during his fights.
But while he became known for his fiendish ways in the ring, he was also recognized as being a respectful fighter who made his opponents feel as safe and comfortable as possible.
The jester’s bravado was clear to see in one pre-match interview where he described himself as a ‘goofy’ underdog who was nevertheless focused on winning
Jimmy quickly rose to prominence due to his athleticism, high-flying skills, and technical ability.
His flamboyant performances helped him win over fans and to earn a contract with Monster Factory, a top wrestling school.
The world famous school attended by Pasquale features in a recently released documentary about fighters trying to become professionals on Apple TV.
The Jester made a number of TV appearances throughout his career both as a singles fighter and as part of a tag team with fighter Westfield Kelly.
He boasted of a series of wins on his Instagram at the Tag Team Turmoil fights in 2021 and took on fighters including Luca Brazzi, Cortez Castro and Ryan Nova.
Wrestling star James Pasquale – known by his stage name Jimmy the Jester – has died following a car crash aged 34. Pictured at a fight with Ryan Nova in 2021
Gymnastics coaching
Next to wrestling, Pasquale’s other passion in life was coaching gymnastics.
As well as using his gym skills to elevate his wrestling style, he was a USAG-qualified Mens Coach at NJ Premier Gymnastics.
He worked as a tumbling coach at a gymnastics club, with the mother of one of his young pupils calling him ‘the best and most fun coach’ and saying they were both ‘devastated’ by his loss.
He regularly shared clips and pictures on his Instagram coaching young athletes and helping them with their tumbles, as well as videos showing off his own gymnastic abilities.
Personal life
The Jester built a family through his love of wrestling, describing his opponents and fellow fighters at the Monster Club as his ‘brothers’.
Jimmy was also a dog lover and regularly shared adorable snaps with his beloved pets.
As his wrestling name suggested, Pasquale was a prankster, with friends paying tribute to his cheeky personality.
A touching tribute was also made to him by Erin Trzeciak, who appears to have been his long term partner.
She shared a range of snaps of the pair together enjoying trips to the beach, walks and dinners.
‘My heart feels so heavy today, never in a million years did I think that I would be writing this,’ she said.
‘James Pasquale, you emulated such an contagious bright energy wherever you went.
‘You gave me the courage to express myself however I wanted, and always made the unconditional love you had known, I don’t even know the person I would be now if I hadn’t had you in my life.
‘This doesn’t feel real, I cant even begin to wrap my head around the fact that you’re gone. Thank you for being such a light in my life and for so so many amazing memories. You’re loved by so many people and will be very missed Jimmy’.
Tributes
A heartfelt tribute from good friend and wrestling opponent Sammy Fernandez read: ‘I bursted into tears as soon as I heard the news. Part of me was hoping it was the greatest joke Jimmy the Jester would pull on us and there would be a huge SYKE at the end of it.
‘I’m devastated. It’s not a trick, it’s not a prank, and it’s not a joke you would’ve love to pull on us. I hate that this is real.
‘We wrestled so many times and you were my favorite person to wrestle because you always reassured my safety and you were going to always take care of me, I trusted you with my life in the ring.
‘You let me know how proud of me you were when I moved on and you checked in on me to make sure I wasn’t home sick and let me know that everyone was so proud of me.
‘Proud, you were proud of me. I don’t want to be sad because that’s not what you would have wanted but I just didn’t get to let you know how much I loved you.’
The Jester’s death was announced by his friend Kevin Protyvniak on Facebook, where he shared pictures of them together.
‘So sad to hear about the loss of James Pasquale. You were a great friend for over a decade, there through thick and thin.’
Monster Factory’s owner Danny Cage expressed his sadness at the wrestler’s loss on Twitter: ‘I just lost somebody that I was hoping would walk through the doors of monster factory again & be the charismatic goof he always was.
‘Then I heard he was planning to come back. Going to miss you Jimmy the Jester!’
Missy Sampson, a coach at the school, shared on Twitter: ‘We @4MonsterFactory lost one of our own in Jimmy The Jester!
‘He was a funny guy with a heart of gold! Gone too soon! Please hug your friends and family and remind them you love them!
‘Say a prayer for his family and friends! Till we see you again buddy!’
Commissioner Gabby Ortiz wrote on Twitter, ‘We lost one of our brothers today. Really tough news to hear. RIP Jimmy.’
The New Jersey-based fighter is reported to have passed away after suffering serious injuries in a collision
Ortiz and other stars of the world famous wrestling school attended by Pasquale feature in a recently released documentary about fighters trying to become professionals on Apple TV.
Debbie Perrelli, who knew him while they were at Belvidere High School in New Jersey together, shared the news with fellow alumni.
‘I was just informed that James Pasquale, Class of 2006, lost his life today due to a car accident.
She added that ‘those of us who knew him while he was in high school will appreciate his career path’ before saying: ‘Rest in Peace Jimmy. Gone too soon for sure.
‘You will be sorely missed by many. Thank you for making us laugh.’
Another friend shared on Facebook: ‘We didn’t know each other for long, but you were definitely one of the coolest people I have ever met. I’m sorry I never kept in touch.’
Find Yourself Wrestling has announced that it will be honoring Jimmy the Jester at an upcoming show on April 29.
Paying their respects, they said: ‘We here at FYW are very saddened to hear of the passing of James Pasquale AKA Jimmy the Jester.’
