James William Lord Jr., a long-time resident of Hackettstown, NJ, departed this world on July 7, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was 82 years young.

     Jim was born May 16, 1935 in East Orange, NJ, the son of Mildred (nee Conklin) Lord, and James Lord. He grew up in Union, NJ, and was a graduate of Union High School, class of 1953. His classmates were an ever-important part of his life. He maintained life-long friendships with them, and looked forward to regular reunions with his friends from Union. Just a few short weeks before his death, he organized and attended a reunion luncheon with all his buddies.

     Following high school, Jim married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Carol Ann Napolis. Carol and Jim were just 14 and 17 years old when they met. They married in February of 1956, and shortly afterwards moved to Hackettstown, where they raised their four children.

     Jim was a gifted athlete, and was active in sports all of his adult life. He played semi-pro football with the Union Blue Comets and the Hoboken Alumnae. He was always proud to say that “in those days, a player had to play on both the offensive and defensive teams”. Jim was a running back and a defensive back. He ran back punts and kick-offs, “where the faster guys were put”. He also played semi-pro baseball in the Tri-County League and the Sussex County League. In later years, Jim played on the Hackettstown men’s softball league. He was an awesome second baseman, and was referred to as “Spider” by his teammates because he ran so fast, he seemed to have more than two legs. He was passionate about the game, and played well into his seventies.

     Jim’s passion for athletics was inherited by his children and grandchildren. The Lord Family loved all sports, and rarely did Jim miss a good ball game or wrestling match. He particularly enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren compete, and was always on the sidelines, cheering for his family during baseball, softball, football, soccer, and wrestling events.

     Jim worked as a salesman of institutional groceries for the John Sexton and Company. His accounts included many restaurants and institutions in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. He was well-loved by his clients because of his quick wit and affable personality. Jim was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the Angel Connection. Following his retirement from John Sexton Company, Jim took a part-time job at Centenary University, where he drove the Equine Students from the main campus in Hackettstown to the Equestrian Center. What started out as just something to do after retirement, his affiliation at Centenary, soon became his second passion. He was well loved by the Equine Students, not only for his humor and kindness, but also for his sage advice on life and love, and his daily trips to Dunkin Donuts to treat many students to coffee. He developed many valued friendships at Centenary, and remained there for twelve years, only retiring in February of 2017, when his illness prevented him from continued work.

     There are no words to express how very much this wonderful man will be missed by all who knew him. Jim, who was affectionately known as “Pally” to all who loved him, will be constantly remembered by his family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Mildred and James Lord, and one sister Patricia (Lord) Bray. His beloved wife of 56 years, Carol Ann, died in 2012. He is survived by his four children: Theresa Lord-Stout and husband John Stout, James W. Lord III and his companion Kathy Krisak, Jeffrey Lord and husband Ed Maia, and Connie Drum and husband Ashley. He is also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, many beloved nieces and nephews, countless friends, and his companion, Marilyn Bodamer Bloink.

     A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840 on Tuesday, July 11th from 4-8 p.m.A mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption, Hackettstown on Wednesday, July 12^that 11 a.m. followed by Interment at the Pequest Cemetery in Great Meadows, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice in Newton, NJ or to the American Diabetes Association.

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