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James Truncer Obituary
James J. Truncer, 86, of Allentown, passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family. Born in Woodbury, NJ, he grew up in the Princeton area before moving to Upper Freehold Twp. in 1952. A US Airforce veteran serving during the Vietnam Era, Jim earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Michigan State University, where he studied Natural Resources Management and has worked for the Monmouth County Park System for over 58 years, a career that he loved.
Jim and his wife Ramona, raised their family in Holmdel, later moving back to Allentown 23 years ago. He was a longtime member of the Allentown Presbyterian Church, where he and his wife were married. He earned his pilot’s license and loved planes, flying, and aviation. Jim loved people and enjoyed talking and sharing stories with others. He was also an avid reader and history buff.
Son of the late Joseph J. and Ruth Truncer, he was predeceased in 2021 by his wife of 63 years, Ramona Rue Truncer. Jim is survived by his children, Jim and Melissa Truncer of Newton, MA, and Rebecca and Kent Watkins of Cassatt, SC; his grandchildren, Morgan Truncer, William Truncer, and Seth Watkins, and his sister, Judee Wales and her husband, Tom Watson.
A private burial service was held at the Allentown Presbyterian Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to Friends of the Parks at P.O. Box 686, Lincroft, NJ 07738-0686 or at www.friendsofmonmouthcountyparks.com
Arrangements under the direction of Peppler Funeral Home, Allentown.
Memories and Condolences
for James Truncer
14 Entries
Wally Tunison
February 25, 2023
Thank you for leading the finest county park system in the country.
Judge John D'Amico
February 23, 2023
It was a pleasure and honor to work with Jim as a member of the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders (County Commissioners) and to support him in the preservation of open space for park expansion and the protection of waterways and reservoirs. His legacy will live on for future generations.
Matthew Bezahler
February 23, 2023
A great man and leader. You will be missed sir. My condolences to the family.
Andrew Smith
February 23, 2023
I can't say that Jim Truncer was a close friend. I met him only occssionally years ago while working as County Surrogate back in the 1970s and 80s. He built some excellent golf courses, hiking trails and other recreatonal facilities that are the best in the state. I've gotten great pleasure over the years from sing them. You left a great legacy, Jim, God bless!
Phyllis M Bishop
February 23, 2023
I remember a happy Jim at his sister's wedding.
Phyllis M Bishop
February 23, 2023
I remember a hapoy Jim at Judee and Tom's wedding.
Timothy Hill
February 22, 2023
Jim was a true professional - a mentor to young folks, a great friend, innovative leader and tireless advocate for parks, recreation and the great outdoors. Monmouth County was fortunate to have such a person guiding the open space initiatives early on, then as he continued to develop the MCPS into a nationally recognized park and recreation agency. My condolences to the family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances of Jim. May He Rest in Peace.
T. Hill
Former Director of Recreation / Retired Borough Administrator, Highlands, NJ
Joseph Pizza
February 22, 2023
My sincere condolences to the Truncer family, I knew Jim through the county director round table meeting he hosted. His accomplishments were many, he was the calming force, the cool head in the room. Always welcoming and open to new ideas and points of view. Jim leaves a huge footprint on county parks and land preservation.
He will be truly missed, God Bless Jim and his family!
Joe Pizza
Mike Mangum
February 22, 2023
My sincere condolences to your family. I will miss his stories about the CCC boys, German prisoners of war and the Army Air Core in Millville during his days at Parvin State Park. A true legend and a total gentleman.
Ruth Zobel
February 21, 2023
Condolences to your family. Your smile and leadership brought those of us who worked with "Papa Jim " to higher standards.
Judee Wales
February 21, 2023
Jim Truncer was my Big brother, a good son, loving husband and proud father, father-in-law, brother-in-law and grandfather. “A Man for all Seasons” doing in Life what he believed was most important; mentoring and helping those around him and managing and beautifying his beloved Monmouth County Parks. I am betting there will be a ton more
Parks in Heaven.
Rest in Peace with your Beloved wife of 63 years, Ramona Rue Truncer, your Mother and Father, Ruth C. Truncer and Joseph J. Truncer.
Sending Continuous Prayers and Love
,❤
Judee Truncer Wales Watson
Mark Mullen
February 21, 2023
Our sincere condolences to the Truncer family. Jim was a great friend of my parents. I know my folks had great admiration for Jim and shared his interest and enthusiasm for the history and preservation in our community. They shared an appreciation of Monmouth County and the Upper Freehold area in particular which contributed to the preservation of historic Walnford Park.
With Regret,
Mark Mullen
Rick Brancadora
February 21, 2023
Jim was indeed, the father of the Monmouth County Park System! Jim, you will long be remembered as the force behind the legacy Parks tens of thousands enjoy everyday. I will always remember the many wonderful programs and projects you birthed and your gentle and always positive leadership. You are greatly admired and esteemed for your vision of preserving open space in our great county. God Bless you for all that you've accomplished. Deepest condolences to his family at this time of loss.
TONYA HORNSBY
February 21, 2023
My sincere condolences to the Truncer family. Mr. Truncer was a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed.
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