In Loving Memory of James Justin "Jamo" McManus

April 12, 1954 – June 16, 2026

James Justin McManus, known to all who loved him as Jamo, passed away on June 16, 2026, in Denver, Colorado, surrounded by family, at the age of 72.

Born in Far Rockaway, New York, Jamo had an entrepreneurial spirit from boyhood, running a paper route and selling sodas at the neighborhood beach long before he ever stood behind a bar.

As the grandson of Peter McManus, Jamo carried the family legacy forward at Peter McManus Café, the Chelsea bar that has stood at 19th Street and Seventh Avenue since 1936 and is the oldest family-run bar in New York City. He ran it for decades, and treated everyone who walked in, regular and stranger alike, like family.

Jamo's gift was simple and rare. As he put it himself, "You get a natural high to see someone smile and enjoy themselves." Others saw it too. As historian Jeff Klein once said, "Jamo McManus is the friendliest guy in Manhattan. Find me a friendlier guy and I'll give you a hundred dollars."

Away from the bar, he loved nothing more than time with his children and grandchildren, days out on his boat, and the company of his many friends.

The beloved son of James and Eileen McManus, Jamo is survived by his son Justin and his daughter Katie Eileen, his cherished grandchildren Emmett, Maverick, and Sol and his siblings Eileen, Patricia, and Brian, along with countless friends who became family over the years.

He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.