Jean Alix Jolly

Jean Alix Jolly, born July 30, 1938, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to Roland and Anne-Marie Jolly, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. He was the only son and beloved brother among his six sisters, growing up in a close-knit family rooted in faith, discipline, and strong values that would guide him throughout his life.

Jean-Alix spent his early years in Haiti, where his character was shaped by family, tradition, and a deep sense of responsibility. In 1965, he immigrated to the United States with his wife and their two children, Sabrina and Shirley. Their family later grew with the birth of their youngest child, Jacques-Allen, who was born in the United States.

Carrying with him the values instilled by his parents, Jean-Alix lived a life defined by faith, hard work, and perseverance. He made his home in several communities throughout the United States, including Queens, and Florida, with Fair Lawn, New Jersey remaining the home where he spent a substantial amount of meaningful time with his family, creating lasting memories. Jean-Alix built a successful career as a Sales Manager for the African American Purchasing Center (AAPC) located in One World Trade Center from 1968 until his retirement. Following his retirement, he fulfilled a long-held dream for retirement in warm tropical weather by relocating to the island of Jamaica, where he spent most of his later years. For the past two years he resided in Clifton, New Jersey.

To know Jean-Alix was to know his unwavering love for tennis—tennis, tennis, and more tennis. Whether playing on the court or watching a match with complete focus and enthusiasm, tennis was his great passion and joy.

Those who knew him best would describe him as stern and firm, a man of principle and high expectations. Yet, beneath that exterior lived a playful, childlike spirit that revealed itself especially among his siblings, their spouses, and the many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who cherished him. To some, he appeared serious and demanding; to others, he was a jokester, quick with humor and warmth. Both sides were authentically Jean-Alix, and both are remembered with love.

Jean-Alix Jolly is predeceased by his parents, and his sisters Rolande Jolly and Renee Jolly. He is survived by his children Sabrina Celestin (and husband, Pierre), Shirley Jolly, and Jacques Allen Jolly (and wife, Claribel); his beloved grandchildren Robert, Danielle, and Jay’ven, who brought him immense pride and joy; his loving sisters Ghislaine Baron, Marie-Claude Jolly, Ginette Zamor and Marie-Carmel Jolly, and their families, including nieces Nathalie Godet, Claudine Zamor, Anne-Marie Jolly-Dockett, nephews Gregory Godet, Philippe Zamor, Gerald Baron, and Reginald Baron; great nieces and nephews Jade Belizaire, Jacqueline Baron, Justin Baron, Janine Baron, Jeremy Baron, Michael Dockett, Adrianna Dockett, Ysabel Godet, and many relatives and friends who loved him dearly. Although he had no biological brothers, he was blessed to share enduring bonds with Guy, Claude, and Rodrigue, who held a special place in his life.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.