Obituary of James Ernest Dench

James “Jim” Ernest Dench, 83, of Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey and formerly of Oakland, New Jersey passed away on January 12, 2023. Jim was born on April 11, 1939 in Paterson, New Jersey to Ernest Dench and Iva Merritt Dench and grew up in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Barbara Ann Halperin Dench; his brother Richard Dench and his sister Joy Dench Wood. Jim is survived by his daughter Wendy Dench Barrett and husband Mike; his son Brian Dench and wife Penney; and his grandchildren, Kalli-Anne and Kyra-Leigh Hymons, and Ethan and Emma Dench. Jim is also survived by his partner of 25 years, Diana Martino and her daughters Dana Kutsup and husband John, and Deb Clifton and husband Rob; and grandchildren Andrea, Gabrielle, and Valerie Kutsup, and Robert and Elizabeth Clifton.

Jim was a beloved father, grandfather, and special friend to so many. He was a proud business owner of Lakeview Brake & Front End in Clifton, New Jersey for over 30 years. Jim loved antique cars, auto racing, and steam trains. He enjoyed restoring old cars, going to car shows, traveling in hot rod cruise tours, attending auto races, and spending time with family and friends. Jim was always willing to lend a hand and help others in need. He will be greatly missed by so many that he touched through the years.  

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 16th 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM and the funeral service from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at the Oakland Memorial (330 Ramapo Valley Rd, Oakland, NJ 07436). Burial will be 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at the Pond's Reformed Church Cemetery (341 Ramapo Valley Rd, Oakland, NJ 07436).  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Jim’s honor to the Michael J. Fox Foundation dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's today. https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=2533&np=true