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James Friel Obituary
- - James ("Jim") Edward Friel, III, 80 years young, passed away suddenly on Friday, May 3. Jim was born January 5, 1939 in Plainfield, NJ where he lived with his mother, father and sister, Lynn before moving to Rumson in 1955. Jim attended Mount St. Mary's University and graduated from Monmouth College in 1962. He met his beloved wife and best friend of 57 years, Ann Hinck Friel while attending Monmouth. Jim and Ann bought their first home on Park Lane in Fair Haven then eventually moved with their three daughters to Woodland Drive. Most recently, Jim and Ann resided in Tinton Falls.
Jim is predeceased by his parents, James E. Friel, Jr. and Margaret "Honey" Friel. Surviving are his wife, Ann, three daughters and their spouses: Kelly Schulz and her husband, John; Catherine Lloyd Connolly and her husband Thomas, and Elizabeth Ann Finlay. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren whom he adored: Andrew and Matthew Schulz (share their grandfather's birthday); Daniel, Elizabeth and Thomas Lloyd; Alexander and Michael Finlay. Jim is also survived by his sister Lynn Powers and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was a devoted Catholic and a daily communicant of St. Anthony of Padua of Red Bank. He was a long- standing member of Monmouth Beach Bath & Tennis Club (1957) where he enjoyed playing tennis every Saturday morning with his favorite group of friends. He loved holding court on the beach surrounded by his family and friends, as well as his watching his favorite team, the Fighting Irish. Another favorite, the Brooklyn Dodgers, held a special place in his heart, since Jim and his father were regulars at their games back in the day. Jim was a loyal friend who had many traits, (ie., white towels), sayings and advice. But, most of all he was a loving brother, husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He loved his family and truly enjoyed his one on one time with each of them. His wisdom, practicality, common sense and sense of humor will be sorely missed.
A gathering will be held at 9:00AM Thursday, May 16th followed by a 10:00AM Mass at The Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Road, Fair Haven, NJ 07704. In honor Jim's memory, donations may be made to Saint Philip Neri Oratory @ Saint Anthony's of Padua, 121 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701
At ease, 10-4, keep it together, over and out...
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Memories and Condolences
for James Friel
Joe Shine
May 6, 2025
Jimmy was one of the boys, a privilege to be related to him, to play with him as a small child. He is up there with the most wonderful figures of my life, always a winner with a very happy family.
Joe Shine
September 22, 2024
Greetings to the family. This was a very beautiful obituary. The Shines lost Lisa on March 31, 2021 to a sudden heart attack after a spell of bad health.
Fred Dispensiere
June 8, 2019
Dear Mrs. Friel and family,
I heard with great sadness of Jim's passing. Please accept my sincerest and heartfelt sympathy. When I was a policeman in Fair Haven I chatted with Ann and Jim often when they were out walking. About a year ago I saw Ann again at St. Anthony's as I was working security at a concert. Jim was a class act and a fine gentleman. May God give all his family, relatives, and friends comfort, strength, faith, and peace. May he rest in peace.
Lisa Burnett
May 26, 2019
Dear Kelly, Cathy, and Elizabeth...and Aunt Ann..I have not seen you all for years but I have the best memories of living across the street as kids. Your father was a great man and I will always remember him as Uncle Jimmie. How he was always outside playing with us kids, throwing a ball or whatever. Playing tennis with my parents at the Beach Club. Im so sorry for your loss please find comfort in the Lord He will carry you through.
Love and hugs to you all, Your cousin Lisa Shine Burnett.
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Cheryl Mara
May 15, 2019
Kelly and Family, I was so sad to hear of the passing of your father. I wish you peace and pray that you remember all of the fond memories you all had with him during his lifetime and that they help bring some comfort to you all.
Carol Quirk
May 14, 2019
Ann and family,
So sorry. Much love and many prayers.
Jim and Carol Quirkarol
Marion Z. Costa
May 13, 2019
Dear Ann, I was very sorry to hear about Jim's recent passing. My sincerest sympathy to you and your family. Marion Z Costa
Ed & Mary Ellen Rahilly
May 12, 2019
Wow!!! Ann, we are So sorry to hear of Jims passing. So glad we were able to get together in Fla. Although we only knew you guys a short time while snow birding we enjoyed the discussions with Jim and his opinions on the world....lol. We nicknamed him towel Jim not knowing there was a towel history back in N.J..... Ann we will keep Jim, you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Ed & Mary Ellen
Rigas Family
May 12, 2019
With much love, he will be missed!
Mercedes Nola
May 10, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I didn't know Jim, but know his family and he leaves behind a legacy of well loved people.
daniel lloyd
May 9, 2019
Thank you for everything Pop Pop Jim, I will truly miss you. Rip, Praise the Lord and pass the ammo !!!!
May 9, 2019
Hi Ann. Sorry to hear of your loss . I didn't know Jim, but it sounds like he was a special person. Your loss has reminded me to cherish my spouse of 53 years.
Tom Gallagher
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