Life Story: James McNamara, 88; Korean War Vet, NYC Police Officer, US Marshall

James J. McNamara passed away peacefully Jan. 4 at his home in Somerset surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years of age.

Mr. McNamara was born in Brooklyn and raised his family there. After he was widowed, he moved to the Somerset area, to be close to his family.

He fought with the 84th Combat Engineer Battalion, US 8th Army during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he worked as the field supervisor for the McRoberts Detective Agency in New York City. In 1957 he joined the New York City Police Department where he served for 26 years as a Mounted Police Officer. He retired in 1983 after receiving numerous awards and commendations as well as receiving over 20 medals for exceptional service and was inducted into the NYPD Honor Legion. Not being finished with his personal call to service, he then joined the United States Marshals and served for the next 10 years.

Mr. McNamara was an avid football fan and overall sports enthusiast. He loved animals and rescued many during his lifetime. He was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Matthias Parish in Somerset. Spending time with his family, watching his grandchildren play sports and pursue their interests was always his priority. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy of humor and love.

He was a true patriot honoring God, country and family above all.

Mr. McNamara was pre-deceased by his first wife Therese in 1999. He was also pre-deceased by a sister Dorothy Ruston.

He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Mrs. Carmen Moran McNamara of Somerset, and his sons John McNamara and his wife Raquel of Manhattan, George McNamara and his wife Dawn of Freehold and James McNamara and his wife Melanie of Somerset. He is also survived by his sisters Carol Dempsey of Cheshire, CT., MaryAnn Buckley and her husband Robert of Stafford, CT, his grandchildren Jamie, Sean, Cailin, Shannon, James, Tess, Lauren, John Jr., Isabella, and great grandson Jacob.

Funeral services will begin 10 a.m. Jan. 10 at the Gleason Funeral Home, 1360 Hamilton St., followed by a 10:30 a.m. funeral mass at St. Matthias Church in Somerset.

Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Piscataway.

Visiting will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Gleason Funeral Home.

Please consider a contribution in Mr. McNamara’s name to the Homes For Heroes Foundation at www.homesforheroesfoundation.org

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