Life Story: James Kahora, 74; MCC Golf, Basketball Coach

Mr. James Kahora passed away on Jan. 25 at the Parker Home in Monroe. He was 74 years old.

Mr. Kahora was born in Carteret, and lived in South Plainfield before moving to Somerset. He graduated from South Plainfield High School, where he excelled in athletics. He went on to Westchester University, where he played baseball and football, and earned his degree in Physical Education. He earned his Master’s degree from Seton Hall University.

Mr. Kahora had an extensive career as a high school and college sports coach. He taught physical education, and coached baseball at Penn Charter School in Philadelphia his first year, then returned to South Plainfield High, where he taught phys ed as well as coached baseball and basketball for six years. He accepted a position at Middlesex County College in 1970, where he was a professor of health and phys ed; coached golf and basketball, and was director of multiple sports camps for children for 43 years, until retirement in 2013. He was also an assistant coach at Raritan Valley and Wagner College, where his team beat Duke University, at Duke, under his tenure.

Mr. Kahora was an avid fresh-water fisherman and enjoyed his time spent on the local lakes and rivers. His favorites were Lake Champlain in New York/Vermont and the Delaware River. He had his secret spots that will remain so forever.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Mrs. Donna Kahora of Somerset; a daughter, Beth Taylor, and her husband, George “Beau” Taylor of Ct.; a sister, Nancy Dowd, and her husband Martin of White House Station, and four grandchildren, George, Teddy, Campbell and Lolly.

Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the Gleason Funeral Home, 1360 Hamilton St., Somerset.

Services will begin on Monday at 9:45 a.m. at the Gleason Funeral Home, followed by a 10:30 a.m. funeral mass at St. Matthias Church in Somerset. Committal services will follow at Franklin Memorial Park in North Brunswick.

Contributions in Mr. Kahora’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or to the Franklin Township Animal Shelter 475 DeMott Lane Somerset NJ 08873.

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