Jim Naples is Mexico Citizen of the Year

By Kate Curit

MEXICO – Known for his love for community and his willingness to give a helping hand whenever one is needed, Jim Naples was recently named the 2021 Mexico Citizen of the Year.
His work in the community, his love for people and doing what he can to help, truly is incredible, community members said when he was recently presented the award by the select board.
Naples, who owns Naples Packing, was born and raised in Mexico, and, growing up, watched both of his parents make sacrifices to not only take care of him and his seven siblings, but to help others in need as well, he said. The concept of community and helping those less fortunate was instilled upon him early on in life and continued throughout his childhood. As an adult, he continues to focus on helping his community in any way he can.
“My mom and dad were big on helping people that couldn’t help themselves,” he said. “They’ve always been active in the community. If I can afford to do it, I try to pass it on.”
Naples’ father, Enrico “Ed” Naples started his meat business in Lewiston in 1946, operating out of a small truck and selling from store to store. When he saw a location for sale in Mexico in 1953, he bought it for the business. Naples Packing remains on that spot on River Road today. Jim was in the store every day after school and during vacations, helping his father from seventh grade on.
Naples has run the business for the past 25 years, and it now serves Oxford and Franklin counties as well as New Hampshire. His sister, Ginger, is part of the family business as well, doing the bookkeeping and finances.
In 2005, Naples opened up the storage unit across the street and he said that, between the two businesses, he keeps himself relatively busy.
Naples is also known for his elaborate Christmas light display at Naples Pakcing, another tradition handed down from his father, who started it in the 1960s. It’s one more thing he does to stay involved in the community and bring a little happiness where he can, he said.
He’s also involved with many of clubs, associations and fundraisers in the area including the antique car show that benefits the Firemen’s Relief Association. Naples has a serious passion for antique cars. He displays his own collection, and provides the food for the event and little to no cost.
“I try to help anybody in the town whether it is the police force or the fire department,” Naples said. “They help us when we need it. [I] try to do the same.”
Citizen of the Year runs in the Naples family. His father received it in 1993, and in 2015, so did his brother, Eddy.