James A. George

James “Jim” George, of Boynton Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on July 27, 2021, with Joy, his wife of 59 years, at his side. He was 89. Jim was born in Bridgeton, NJ, to James A George Sr. and Mary Ritondo George, and was the youngest of three children. His early childhood was spent in South Philadelphia, then most of his school years were back in Bridgeton, where Jim was an active athlete and sports fan, loving football, baseball and basketball. At Bridgeton High School, Jim played on the undefeated, 1947 football team, winning the NJ Group 4 State Championship. Jim was a proud center and middle linebacker, and was awarded All-South Jersey honors. In addition to sports, Jim played saxophone in a local dance band. Jim was even the mayor of Bridgeton for a day, winning a high school senior superlative contest. He graduated in 1950. Jim served in the Army from 1952-1954, assigned to the Judge Advocate General’s Office, in Pusan, Korea, at the close of the war. After returning home, Jim attended George Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, where he received a BA in Business in 1958. Jim began his career at Wheaton Glass, for a few years, and then on to Owens-Illinois, where he worked twenty-five years in Accounting.
In 1961, Jim met his wife to be, Joy Smith George. They were married that November. Together they raised three sons, Bruce, Douglas and Daniel, first in Bridgeton and then Waldwick, NJ, after Owens transferred Jim to their North Bergen plant in 1971. In Waldwick, Jim actively coached his sons’ baseball and football teams, providing a positive influence for many he coached.
After the boys grew, Jim developed a keen interest in golf, playing whenever he could. When Owens closed their North Bergen plant, Jim moved on to the accounting department of the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ, for the remainder of his career. Jim and Joy retired in 1996, and moved to Southport, NC, at The Clubs at St James, a golfing community. After five years, they relocated to the Legends Golf and Country Club in Clermont, Florida. Living in Clermont, Jim and Joy enjoyed taking their grandchildren and friends to Disney World and other Orlando attractions. After twelve years in Clermont, they returned to NJ, living in Whiting for five years, before moving to Boynton Beach, Florida.
Jim and Joy also enjoyed traveling, including trips to Hawaii, England, Russia, eight or so European Union countries, Caribbean cruises, and several road trips across the United States. His favorite place to visit, by far, was Branson, Missouri, where he enjoyed the shows. Overall, though, Jim was primarily focused on family, spending a great deal of time with his children and grandchildren.
Jim is predeceased by his sisters, Anna (Bing) Couch and Theresa (Bill) Urbany, and also his youngest son Dan. He is survived by his wife Joy, sons Bruce (Kathy), Doug (Britainee), and his grandchildren Brian, Daniel, David, Shelly and Tom.
A memorial service will be held on October 9, 2021, at 11:30am at the Faith United Methodist Church, 6340 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Church.