Former Matawan Council Member Dies at 75

James (Jim) Edward Shea, 75, of Matawan, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, at Bayshore Community Hospital. He was born on May 20, 1938 in Long Branch and lived most of his life in Matawan. Jim graduated from Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City. Thereafter, Jim worked at McGraw Hill, at the American  Management  Association, as an English teacher at Freehold Borough High School, and retired following his tenure at the State of New Jersey Department of Human Services. 

Jim also served in the United States Army Reserve for over 20 years and retired as a Captain, holding numerous positions including photo-journalist.  Throughout his life, Jim was dedicated to the Matawan community.  He was involved in Matawan politics for over 30 years, including serving multiple  terms as a Matawan councilman.  He served as a volunteer firefighter in Matawan for over 20 years, serving in the fire police and as Secretary of the BFO of Matawan.  Jim also re-established  the American Legion of Matawan and served as its Commander in Chief. In addition, Jim ran numerous local community programs, including recycling and community clean-up programs.

Jim’s volunteerism extended beyond Matawan, as well. He volunteered for Food for The Barn, delivering food to Sisters in the Catholic Church for several years. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 20 years.

Jim never lost the love of journalism and photography that he had since his service in the Army.  He continued to volunteer as a photo-journalist for several Catholic newspapers, The Monitor and Puerto Rican Association for Human Development (PRAHD).

Jim is pre-deceased by his parents John Joseph and Theodora Blackburn and  sister Joanne and survived by his wife, Elisabeth, brother, Thomas,  sons, William and John , daughter-in-law, Marlene, brother-in-law, Frank Tourine, and grandchildren, Michael and Chloe.

Visitation shall be on Sunday, June 2 from 2-4PM and 7-9PM at Day Funeral Home, 361 Maple Place, Keyport.  A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, June 3 at 10AM at St. Clement’s Church, 172 Freneau Avenue, Matawan.