Obituary of James A Bishop Jr.

James A. Bishop Jr., 95, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2022, at his home in Monroe Township, NJ.

 James was born in West New York, New Jersey in 1927. He was raised in Jersey City and remained there until moving to Old Bridge in 1956. There he raised his children until retiring to Florida in 1997 and then back to New Jersey and settling in Monroe Township in 2011.

 James was an over-the-road truck driver for over thirty years, working for companies such as Kraft Foods and A.E.P. He was an extremely safe driver even receiving driving awards along with his best attendance records. James retired from trucking and took up another career that he loved as an employee in Walt Disney World, Florida.  He continued that until his return move to New Jersey to be with his daughters and grandchildren.

  James was a member of the Greatest Generation, a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Pacific Theater under General Douglas MacArthur through the end of World War II and then into the occupation years of post-war Japan, receiving his World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal for his service. James carried his love of his country home and was one of the “Founding Fathers” of the Old Bridge, NJ VFW.  He was also honored as the Grand Marshall of the 2015 Old Bridge Township Memorial Day Parade.

 James loved chess and belonged to the East Brunswick Chess Club in the 1960s. He enjoyed boating and fishing, reading, and overall learning about World War II as well as “breaking chops and being an expert at many things.” James shared his knowledge with local school children, loved trips to Walmart and giving medical advice. Most of all he loved to be with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was an example of a life well lived.

 James is predeceased by his son, Lawrence “Larry” Bishop, His great-granddaughter, Danielle Eckert, his brother, Thomas Bishop, his sister Ann Lucchesi, his former wife, Julia M. Bishop, and his brother-in-law Paul Lucchesi.

  James is survived by his daughters: Julie Shakoor of Monroe Township, Andrea Ryan, and her husband Chris P. Ryan also of Monroe Township. His stepson, Daniel Thomas, and his wife Mamie of Bonita Springs Florida, and his sister-in-law, Dorothy Bishop of Brick.

  He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren, Michelle Eckert and her husband Doug of Pennington, Daniel L. Thomas of New York, New York, Christopher Ryan of Monroe Township, and Nicole Ryan of Monroe Township. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Ace, and Logan.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2022, from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm and again from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the M. David DeMarco Funeral Home, 205 Rhode Hall Road, Monroe Township, NJ 08831.

A Catholic Blessing will be held on Friday, May 27, 2002, at 10:00 am at the Funeral Home.

A graveside service will occur at 12:00 pm at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, located at 299 Freehold-Englishtown Road, Freehold NJ.