Obituary of James O'Neill

O'Neill Jr., James (Jimbo) died on June 27, 2016 in Oakland, NJ at the age of 76. James leaves behind his wife Barbara (nee Matthews), his devoted son Michael O'Neill and his wife Jennifer; his daughters, Colleen Rubino and husband Mark; Cathy Pezzuti and her husband Carmine; and his son James O'Neill III. James also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Brendan O'Neill, Ryan Rubino, Nicholas, Gianna, Gillian, Matthew Pezzuti, and Tyler O'Neill. James was born on December 26, 1939 in Bronx, NY, to his father James O'Neill Sr. and mother Agnes (nee Irwin). James grew up in New York, NY with his sister Patricia and brother Robert. James served honorably in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1963. On March 9, 1959 James married Barbara, his wife of 57 years. James became a police officer for the Port Authority of NY & NJ in 1961. During his time at the Port Authority, James received numerous commendations and awards for his service. James rose to the rank of Inspector and was a well-respected officer before retiring after 33 years of dedicated service. James was also a graduate of the FBI National Academy session 118 and Adelphi University. After retirement, James decided to go back into the workforce and was hired as a security guard in 2008 at Indian Hills High School. James truly loved working at the school where he was nicknamed "Jimbo" by the students. James will be sorely missed by his co-workers and students at the school. James was a true warrior in his battle with cancer. Never once did he give up and remained a brave, iron-willed fighter who remained optimistic to the very end. James was a true hero to us all and will be greatly missed by all of us and will always be remembered in our hearts. James is preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Patricia Lind and Caroline O'Neill; his brother, Robert O'Neill; and his daughter, Lori O'Neill. Services will be held at the Oakland Memorial Home, 330 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, NJ. Visitation will be on Friday from 2-4 PM and 7-9pm, funeral service on Saturday at 9AM followed by a funeral mass at 10AM at OLPH Church, 25 Purdue Ave, Oakland, NJ. Burial will follow at Christ the King Cemetery, 980 Huron Rd, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417. For additional information condolences and directions please visit Oaklandmemorial.com