JAMES J. GARRITY
AGE: 99 WANAMASSA
James J. Garrity, 99, of Wanamassa, died Tuesday, April 7, 2009, in the Medi Center, Neptune City. He was a member of the Ocean Township Police Force from 1935-1946. In 1946, with his brother, John, a returning World War II vet, he purchased a gas station in Wanamassa which he owned and operated for 57 years as Garrity's Exxon until he retired in 2001. For over 70 years, Jim was a volunteer member of both the Wanamassa Fire Department (1931) and First Aid Squad (1933). He also served as chief for both organizations. In 1952, he was appointed to the Ocean Township Council and became mayor from 1954-1963. An avid hunter, Jim loved to play baseball. He was a member of the Wanamassa Gun Club and past member of Asbury Park BPO Elks #128. He was born in Wanamassa and was a lifelong resident.
Jim was predeceased by his late wife, Doris Lee Garrity, who died in 1978; his parents, John and Jennie Garrity; and eight brothers and sisters, Richard, Andrew and John Garrity, Clair Sasser, Judy Secor, Virginia Errickson, Betty Smith, and Marge Brown. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, James R. and Sandra Garrity of Hobe Sound, Fla.; a daughter, Nancy Lillie, with whom he lived; four grandchildren, James Jr. and Douglas Garrity, and RJ and Kevin Lillie; seven great-grandchildren, Brittany, James, Madeline, Madison and Jared Garrity, and Ryan and Travis Lillie; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 10 at Buckley Funeral Home, 509 Second Ave., Asbury Park. A funeral blessing will be given at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 11 at Holy Spirit Church, Asbury Park. Interment will be in St. Catharine's Cemetery, Wall. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either Wanamassa Fire Company, Wanamassa First Aid, or MediCenter Employees Fund, Neptune City.
AGE: 99 WANAMASSA
James J. Garrity, 99, of Wanamassa, died Tuesday, April 7, 2009, in the Medi Center, Neptune City. He was a member of the Ocean Township Police Force from 1935-1946. In 1946, with his brother, John, a returning World War II vet, he purchased a gas station in Wanamassa which he owned and operated for 57 years as Garrity's Exxon until he retired in 2001. For over 70 years, Jim was a volunteer member of both the Wanamassa Fire Department (1931) and First Aid Squad (1933). He also served as chief for both organizations. In 1952, he was appointed to the Ocean Township Council and became mayor from 1954-1963. An avid hunter, Jim loved to play baseball. He was a member of the Wanamassa Gun Club and past member of Asbury Park BPO Elks #128. He was born in Wanamassa and was a lifelong resident.
Jim was predeceased by his late wife, Doris Lee Garrity, who died in 1978; his parents, John and Jennie Garrity; and eight brothers and sisters, Richard, Andrew and John Garrity, Clair Sasser, Judy Secor, Virginia Errickson, Betty Smith, and Marge Brown. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, James R. and Sandra Garrity of Hobe Sound, Fla.; a daughter, Nancy Lillie, with whom he lived; four grandchildren, James Jr. and Douglas Garrity, and RJ and Kevin Lillie; seven great-grandchildren, Brittany, James, Madeline, Madison and Jared Garrity, and Ryan and Travis Lillie; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 10 at Buckley Funeral Home, 509 Second Ave., Asbury Park. A funeral blessing will be given at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 11 at Holy Spirit Church, Asbury Park. Interment will be in St. Catharine's Cemetery, Wall. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either Wanamassa Fire Company, Wanamassa First Aid, or MediCenter Employees Fund, Neptune City.
