James Gandolfini -- Actor's Body Returned Home to New Jersey

James Gandolfini's body has arrived in New Jersey via private jet, TMZ has learned.

The actor's body was flown in via Signature Airlines from Rome -- where James died earlier this week. The plane touched down at Newark airport around 9 PM ET.

We're told the body of "The Sopranos" star will be taken to a funeral home where it will remain until the service -- set for Thursday.

The 51-year-old died Wednesday of a heart attack. He was born and raised in Jersey.