James J. Clemens, 82, passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023 at the Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Center in New Brunswick.

Born and raised in Linden, James was the youngest of the three children of the late William and Rose Clemens.  After graduating from Linden High School, he served in the US Navy. Once he was back in New Jersey, he reconnected and married his high school sweetheart, Janice, in 1964.  They too settled in Linden where he served his community for 36 years as a career firefighter.  He also attended Union County College where he received his Fire Science Associates Degree. There were three things that James loved during his life: his dear wife, his beautiful family, and the fire department.  During the course of his career with the Linden Fire Dept. was he was very interested in the latest fire service technology to better serve his community.  One thing James was especially proud of was being instrumental in instituting the HAZ-MAT Team for Union County. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking and making things for his children and grandchildren.  As a family man, he also loved going on camping trips and traveling with the family. After his retirement, he and Janice relocated to Forked River to enjoy a "little slower pace."

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his brother William, sister Rosemary, and his dear wife of 56 years, Janice. He'll be sorely missed by his children: Jill Brophy, her husband John, Joan Insinna, her husband Eddie, James, his wife Jennifer, Jeffrey, and his wife Karen.  He also leaves behind his dear grandchildren Christopher, Michael, Kevin, Ashley, James, Andrew, Katelyn, and Emma.

Friends may call at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords, NJ on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and 7:00pm – 9:00pm, where funeral services will begin on Friday, October 20, 2023 at 10:00am.  A Funeral Liturgy will immediately follow at 10:30am at Our Lady of Peace Church, Fords. Cremation will take place privately.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org)