James (Jim) John Elliott, 92, of Metuchen, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim will be remembered for his devotion to family and friends, his sharp intellect, and his enduring affection for his classmates and what he fondly called his "absent friends."

Born on May 21, 1934, in the East End of London, England, Jim was the son of Hector and Emma Elliott. His father, a seaman, was killed during the Dunkirk evacuation. His mother served as a chef for the British Army before returning home to raise her children.

Jim spent his childhood in the Isle of Dogs of East London. Like thousands of other English children during the London Blitz, he was evacuated to the countryside for safety. Following the war, he attended the Royal Albert School, where his aptitude for mathematics and science inspired a school principal to encourage him to pursue higher education.

Jim attended the University of Exeter, earning his undergraduate degree before continuing his studies in chemistry. In 1959, he received his Doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Exeter. Shortly thereafter, he immigrated to Ottawa, Canada, where he continued his research as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Ottawa. From 1961 to 1962, he conducted postdoctoral research in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oregon.

It was at the University of Oregon that Jim met the love of his life, Judy, in the summer of 1962. They were married on December 27, 1965, and settled in Metuchen, New Jersey, where they made their home for more than six decades.

In 1962, Jim joined Exxon Research and Engineering in Linden, New Jersey, where he worked as an analytical chemist specializing in infrared spectroscopy. During his distinguished career, he contributed to research and development efforts which included developing the formula to “Keep your engine clean”. often jokingly reminding family and friends of the benefits of "better living through chemistry."

After retiring from Exxon, Jim continued his professional career at Rutgers University, serving in the Food Science and Chemistry Departments as a Laboratory Manager. He remained active and engaged in his work until his retirement in 2020.

A true English gentleman, Jim was an avid gardener whose beautiful roses were admired by neighbors and friends alike. Jim took great pride in sharing his prolific daffodil blooms and a variety of garden vegetables with the neighborhood. He thoroughly enjoyed a friendly rivalry with his neighbor over whose lawn was greener as well.

For decades, Jim returned to England each summer to reunite with classmates from Exeter for their annual walks across Dartmoor, followed by evenings of laughter and camaraderie at local pubs. He was a familiar figure throughout the Metuchen community, instantly recognizable by his distinctive English accent and trademark Akubra hat.

Jim also dedicated his time to youth sports, volunteering as a soccer coach when the Metuchen-Edison Soccer Club was first established. He was even fortunate enough to meet soccer legend Pelé during efforts to help generate excitement and support for the growing program.

Above all else, Jim cherished his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 61 years, Judy Elliott; his daughters, Jennifer Calhoun and Kathy Hering; his grandsons, Johnny and Brian Calhoun; his sister, Marian Burberry of London, England; his nephew, Ian Burberry; and his niece, Susan Rust. He will also be greatly missed by his extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends throughout England, Australia, and the United States.

Visitation will be held at Flynn & Son / Koyen Funeral Home, 319 Amboy Avenue, Metuchen, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 26, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Arrangements for graveside and memorial services will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross in Jim's memory.