One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the lives lost on September 11, 2001, was that so many stories were left unfinished. That day, a large number of individuals went to work and did not return home.
One of those persons was James N. Pappageorge. He was a fireman who was engaged to Gina Pinos and was known as Jimmy. Gina had a kid from a previous relationship, but Jimmy treated him as if he were a family member.
The two had somewhat of a storybook romance. They initially met at the gym and started dating during the summer. But he wasn’t so sure he was the right guy for her. He realized his life didn’t have a ton of direction, and he wanted to solve that before settling down.
When he decided to be an EMT and complete training, he went to surprise Gina. But that’s when he realized she had moved on and was pregnant with someone else’s child.
Gina was well aware that Jimmy was her true love. She talked to the New York Post about what they decided to do after that.
Jimmy had informed her, “You’re the one for me.” “For the rest of my life, I’m going to look after you and [the baby].”
From then on, Jimmy treated the kid, Justin, as if he were his own. He was present in the birth room and was always concerned about the child’s well-being. It just fueled their desire to start a family together. Jimmy was also obtaining new titles and duties at work regularly.
He joined the EMS section of the New York City Fire Department in 1996. He was certified as a paramedic in 1999. He decided to become a firefighter because he believed it was the best financial decision he could make. It was a natural match for him because he enjoyed working with people and assisting others.
Jimmy graduated from the Fire Academy on July 23, 2001, and joined Engine Co. 23. Meanwhile, Gina and Jimmy decided it was time to start having children. Things were looking well for the pair until September 11 threw everything into disarray.
Gina quickly dialled Jimmy’s number after the first plane struck. “The tension in the firehouse was palpable. I was awakened by the alarms “she stated. She had no clue that would be the final time she spoke to him at the moment. “Gotta go, they’ll go without me,” he said on the phone before adding, “I love you.”
Gina never got to give him the good news — she had just found out she was pregnant — at the moment. It’s one of her biggest regrets, she admits.
She responded, “I’m not sure if that would have made a difference.” “I keep it with me at all times.”
Unfortunately, the pregnancy terminated in a miscarriage, exacerbating the issue. Gina’s unborn child and her genuine love were both taken from her. Even though she has subsequently married and divorced, she has acknowledged that she never felt the same way about Jimmy.
Jimmy is one of the many heroic souls recognized and remembered every year on September 11th. Jimmy was only 29 years old when he died. He had a long life ahead of him, yet he died saving lives. He left behind Gina and Justin and his parents and extended family, with whom he was pretty close.
While commemorating the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, it’s essential to take a moment to remember folks like James Pappageorge. It’s difficult to imagine where he would be now if the attack hadn’t happened. Whatever he did, he sought to make the world a better place during his time on this planet, which should be remembered.
