James Kearns, III

James “Jim” William Kearns, III, of Oak Ridge, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, in the comfort of his younger siblings, Patrick and Laura.  He died shortly after celebrating his 77^th birthday with his two beloved daughters, and while returning home from an unforgettable vacation with his brother and four sons.

Jim was born on April 24, 1946, to Gladys Albonica and James William Kearns, Jr. He graduated from Wayne High School and went on to continue his education at Yale University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science. Jim was a man of great intellect, and we feel certain he would frown upon the bad grammar and poor literary structure of this obituary.

Jim lived a life that reflected his eclectic sensibilities. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and completed three combat tours (or as he maintained, his period of “studying abroad”). Though he recognized and often commented upon the tragedies of war, he was a remarkable servicemember, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Rifle Marksmanship Badge before being honorably discharged, having attained the rank of Sergeant and commanding his own platoon. In Vietnam, Jim met and married Hanh To, and together they had six wonderful children, (the “Florida Family OG”), growing now to a legacy of 20+.

After his service, Jim returned to New Jersey and to careers that often continued his commitment to public service. He was in the United States Secret Service; was the youngest Police Chief and Warden in state history; ran the largest private ambulance and public safety company in New Jersey; referred to by his moniker as “#1” at Farmland/Parmalat U.S.A., he oversaw and managed their state-of-the-art sanitary packaging facility; and in the twilight of his professional career, helped manage and run the family contracting business.

Jim was the most unique man many of us have ever met. He was brilliant and always at least one step ahead of his target audience, often outwitting or shocking the crowd. He was a lover of cinema and was quick to quote a line or reenact an entire scene. Jim may have moved slow, but it was only because Jim didn’t have to move for anybody. He loved food, and he loved cooking all types of cuisines, ranging from his famous spicy vindaloo to the finest Sunday gravy that rivaled any Italian nonna’s. Jim also loved to travel, with frequent trips to Cape Hatteras, NC; to the New Jersey Seashore (seahorse, see hell!); to the island of Culebra, PR (where his frozen vindaloo always found a place in his suitcase); and to places further abroad where he could explore new foods and cultures. He passed his love of travel on to his children and delighted in the fact that they had the opportunity to see even more of the world than he did.

Jim constantly challenged the status quo and was known to be an antithetical “rebel.” When he wanted to, he was the life of the party, enjoying a good cocktail (vodka, neat) and capturing a room with tales of his experiences and escapades. His house was a testament to his adventures and personality, filled with keepsakes and souvenirs, some purchased, even more, suspiciously “acquired.”

Above all, Jim loved his family. He is survived and overwhelmingly grieved by his loving children, James (Deborah) Kearns, IV, of Charlottesville, VA; Nathan (Christine) Kearns of Portsmouth, RI; Jessica (Edward) Liva of Allendale, NJ; Jerome (Lauren) Kearns of Robbinsville, NJ; Christopher Kearns of Jersey City, NJ; and Elizabeth (Joshua) Wishman of Wyckoff, NJ; his beloved siblings: Charles (Shirley) Kearns of Rockport, MA; Helen “Bebe” (Haddon) Reines of Ocean View, DE; Laura (Kevin) Labadie of Hudson, OH; and Patrick “Bart” (Janet Scales) Kearns of Oak Ridge, NJ; along with seven adoring grandchildren: James V “Little Jimmy”, Nathan James “NJ”, Scarlett, Grant, Beau, Colin & Morgan; and eight devoted nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by both his parents, and his younger brother, Matthew Kearns.

We love you and will forever miss you Dad, Brother, Poppie, Uncle and friend.