William’s Obituary Suddenly, On January 21, 2019. Age 62. Of Gloucester City.
Loving husband of 36 years to Virginia “Ginny” James (nee Quinton). Beloved father of Erin (Sean) Gorman, Ian (Fiance Samantha Arnone) James, Liam (Bernadette) James, Colin James and Johanna James. Cherished grandfather of Ryan, Kaiden, Kellan, Shea, Desmond and expecting Kennedy.
Dear Brother of Therese (Mike) Smollock, Maria (Tom) Kerchersky, Marybeth (Scott) Jeffries, David James, Christopher James, Steven James, Patrick James, Kathy James and Michael (Joanne) James. Survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his parents, William F. James and Rosemary James (nee Keoghan).
Bill was born in Camden, NJ and was a lifelong and proud resident of Gloucester City. He graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School in 1974. Bill was hired by the Gloucester City Police Department in 1979 serving as Patrolman, Investigator, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant and retired as the Deputy Police Chief in 2005 with one of the most decorated careers in the Department’s history.
Leading up to and during his Police Department career, he coached youth sports in baseball, softball, and basketball for over twenty-five years. Bill was involved with the Gloucester City Little League, Mustangs, Ponytail League, Carmen Palmiero Basketball League. He was Vice-President of the Police Athletic League for 20 years, member of the Sportsmen AC, Broomall String Band, Old Timers String Band, Democrat Club and Camden County Emerald Society.
Bill previously served on the Gloucester City Board of Education. He was a member of the Gloucester City Knights of Columbus Council #674 and lifelong parishioner of Saint Mary’s R.C. Church. In November 2006, Bill was elected as an Independent Mayor of the City of Gloucester City and was re-elected as Democratic incumbent in 2010 and 2014.
Mayor William P. James completed his third term as the Mayor of the City of Gloucester City on December 31, 2018. He was the longest serving Mayor in the City’s 150th year history. Mayor James truly loved the people of Gloucester City and serving this City as a police officer and as Mayor.
Bill truly loved his family and spending time down the shore, fishing and watching the Phillies and Eagles play. Relatives, Friends, Law-Enforcement and residents of Gloucester City are kindly invited to Bill’s viewing on Friday, January 25, 2019 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Saint Mary’s R.C. Church: 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 8 pm.
Camden County Emerald Society, Gloucester City Police Department, Gloucester City Fire Department, Mayor Daniel T. Spencer, Jr and Council will process behind William’s casket at 2:45 pm Friday from McCann-Healey Funeral Home: 851 Monmouth Street to Saint Mary’s R.C. Church. Residents are invited to watch along Monmouth Street and pay their respects. Cremation will be private on Saturday and Inurnment with Catholic Rite of Committal private for the family on Monday at New Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.
Family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers memorial donations in William’s memory to Gloucester City P.B.A. Local # 40: P.O. Box 162, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Please write in memo: William P. James or to the Gloucester City P.A.L. c/o Dayl Baile: 52 Baynes Avenue, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Please write in memo: William P. James.
Condolences and Memories may be shared at www. mccannhealey.com under the obituary of William Patrick James.
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