James M. Becker – Cochran Funeral

James (Jim) M. Becker, age 69, Allamuchy, NJ, died Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at his home. Jim was born on May 17, 1951 in Passaic, NJ.

Jim was a simple man who invested his time in his family and his community. He graduated from Morristown High School in 1969. He was a member of the varsity football team for three seasons with the legendary Coach John Chironna. Jim also played varsity tennis for four seasons and made a tradition to make an annual trip to watch the US Open. Jim wrestled one season in high school and even won the Senior Division at the Warren County fair when he was 44. He played trumpet in the concert band while attending Morristown High School, playing first chair.

Jim graduated from Rutgers University in 1976 with a degree in chemistry. He had many talents but the main focus of his career was in hazardous waste management and environmental science. President of Saraken Corporation, he practiced and consulted in the field of environmental science for over thirty years. The biggest job Jim completed was the excavation of soil at the Flushing Center Mall building sight.

One of Jim’s fondest teenage memories was working for Green Tent in Wharton, NJ and enjoyed all of the the life long friends he made.

Jim also worked briefly as a stone mason, creating elaborate custom walls. The finished product was a work of art, sometimes resembling elaborate sunrises and moonscapes, fashioning these designs from rocks of different colors and textures.

He enjoyed teaching environmental science at Centenary College in Hackettstown, NJ. He took great pleasure in his students’ success and enjoyed sharing his unique industrial experiences with them.

Jim was a volunteer fireman for the local fire department. He was in charge of the chemical fire division, which specialized in handling the dangers of chemical-based fires for the region. He also served on the Hackettstown School Board, Allamuchy School Board, and was a member of the Allamuchy Environmental Committee for a number of years.

Jim and his son Jamie were inseparable. They enjoyed Yankee games at the old stadium, working out at Riverside Fitness in Hackettstown, sports drills in the backyard, and trips to Atlantic City. Jim coached youth soccer for years and never missed any of his son’s games. Jim and Jamie witnessed David Wells pitch a perfect game and also met Derek Jeter his rookie season.

Jim was a devoted family man who married his high school sweetheart, Dolores Hermida. He is survived by his wife of the family home, their son, Jamie (James M. Becker III), wife Talethia, children Alayah, Keira and Baby James who dearly loved their “Paw-Paw.” He is also survived by sisters Pamela Becker, Peace Valley, MO, Winifred Lenihan, Cambridge, MA, and brothers Paul Lenihan (Lori), Morristown, NJ, Brian James, Olympia, WA, Adam James (Karen), Tarzana, CA, and step-father (“Dad”) David James, San Francisco, CA.

He passed away at home, on hospice, with his close family and friends present. He is remembered as a man of integrity, someone who always advocated for what they believed was right and fair.

Jim was predeceased by his father, First Lieutenant James M. Becker, his mother Sheila Feagley James, his beloved grandparents, John and Elizabeth Feagley and Albert and Mabel Becker, Great Aunt Ethel Feagley, father-in-law Thomas Hermida and mother-in-law Mary Hermida.

The funeral service will be held 12:00 pm on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, N.J. with friends and family invited to speak. Burial will be in Tranquility Cemetery, on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 2:30 pm.

Calling hours will be Thursday, September 24 from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm at Cochran Funeral Home. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com/

15 Condolences for James M. Becker

Condolences(15)

Noel Brown says

September 23, 2020 at 3:51 pm

Dolores and family,
I am so sorry for your great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Dolores Becker says
September 26, 2020 at 1:26 am

Thanks Noel for thinking of us. This is a tough time and very sad. It will be a big adjustment as Jim and I have been together for 47 years. He has been on hospice at home since mid-July, I’m so glad that we were able to do that for him. We had his service yesterday and it was non-traditional. We relied on stories of willing family and friends to share memories of him. It was great and very touching. It made me realize what a great person he was and the impact he had on others. I’m still raw right now and not sure how I will handle this next phase of life.

Michael Lewis says

September 24, 2020 at 2:24 pm

I only met James recently through his son. I learned much more about him by reading his obituary than I was able to learn in our few conversations, but the one thing I did learn by talking with him is how much he cared about his family.

Ro says

September 24, 2020 at 3:54 pm

Words can’t describe this great loss. Dolores, Jamie, and family, I am truly sorry for your loss. He was an amazing and wonderful father, husband, mentor, professor, and chemist. He was a mentor to me and I looked up to him a lot. He always advised me and helped me with family and school situations. I will never forget him, his strength, his intelligence, and his caring words. I was lucky to know such a strong, kind and caring person. I hope you all stay strong during this difficult time. Love you guys.

Jerry Chandler says

September 26, 2020 at 2:11 am

Sorry to hear about Jim. My thoughts are with you.

Nina Gregg says

September 26, 2020 at 3:17 pm

Thinking of all of you during this difficult transition. Jim was a presence in the Farragut Place house as I was growing up. Although we didn’t interact much (I was a neighbor and friend of Win) I heard about his many accomplishments from Sheila. May sweet memories and his impact on family and community provide some comfort.

Iesha Kelly says

September 26, 2020 at 7:52 pm

I only heard story from my beast friend James, And threw him I know you you are strong smart and a Grrreeeattt Father. I’m sorry to here about your passing .Sending prayers and love as always.

Jonathan B Lubar says

September 27, 2020 at 4:30 am

Jim was the gentlest tough guy I’ve ever known. I’m sad that he’s gone but glad that he’s finally out of pain.

David L James says

September 27, 2020 at 5:04 pm

Jim became my first son – when I became his stepfather by marrying his mother Sheila. Jim was eleven years old at the time. He was remarkably individualistic and independent and at the same time highly responsible and ethical. We became very close over the years, despite our physical separation. I cherish my memories of Jim and his accomplishments. I will miss him deeply, but he will remain in my heart.

Ellen M. Weisenstein says

September 28, 2020 at 7:43 pm

Paul and I both send our condolences to you and Jamie, especially knowing how long you have been together. I remember when you began dating a good looking football player from Morristown High School, while we were just friends in high school. We met up again as young mothers, while living in Independence Township and I watched Jamie grow up along with my own children. Jim was certainly dedicated to his family, and that really is the most important thing to remember about him.

Jean Spann Clarkin says

September 28, 2020 at 9:51 pm

Delores,
I was very sad to hear of your husbands’ passing. I’m praying all your wonderful memories will help you through this very sad time.
Jean Spann Clarkin
P.S. – Ellen Meyer shared the sad news with our class.

Neil Julian says

September 30, 2020 at 8:59 pm

Dolores and family,
I just became aware of Jim’s passing. I just want to say how sorry I am to hear this news. Jim and I worked together at AETC and Sarakem for many years. We became close friends and he was a great partner and mentor to me. We hadn’t been in touch for several years but i will always be grateful for he many years we knew each other. He used to always talk about you and Jamie to me so lovingly. My deepest sympathy. Neil Julian

Matt Roach says

October 1, 2020 at 9:06 pm

Dolores, Jamie and family –
I just heard of Jim’s passing, I am deeply sorry for your loss and my condolences go out to you. Jim was a good friend and mentor, I am incredibly grateful for the friendship that we had. Wishing you the best during this difficult time.

Dean Uselman says

October 3, 2020 at 2:26 pm

My sincere sympathy to Jim’s family, I worded with Jim and some of the family to help sell and develop some of the family property in Wadena Minnesota. Jim always was a pleasure to visit with and brought thoughtfulness, fairness, and integrity in everything he did. I knew Jim was quite active in many things but until I read the obituary I just didn’t realize how active, he simply never really talked about himself and was always more concerned with others and how he could help them. Rest in peace Jim, you will be missed.

Beth Fallon says

October 3, 2020 at 4:39 pm

Dolores
I am very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I know you were very devoted to him and that he was truly a family man who put his family first. My deepest sympathy to you, Jamie, and your family

James M. Becker May 17, 1951 - September 22, 2020