James Gordon Vones

James Gordon Vones

Bridgewater - James Gordon Vones, died peacefully at home with his beloved wife of 42 years, Phyllis R. Vones, on Friday, January 12, 2018, at the age of 98. He would have been 99 on Valentine's Day, February 14th. He was the son of the late, Frederick and Isabel (Bennet) Vones. Born in Bridgewater, he lived most of his life on Vones Lane, where the family farm was divided and all of the siblings lived next to each other, including, Mother. He was number 3 of 9 children. James was forced to leave school after 8th grade to help support the family and took up his father's trade as a carpenter/builder. He started his own business, "James Vones, Builder" after the war and has built over 100 custom homes and professional buildings in the Somerset County area, including working on the Dori Duke Estate. When WWII broke out he joined the US Navy in 1942. He was assigned to the USS John Penn. While in the South Pacific, on August 13th, 1943, his ship was attacked and torpedoed. He was on deck and blown overboard. He was knocked unconscious but managed to survive by finding a wooden hatch to hang on to until he was rescued. He received the Purple Heart for his injuries. He was a man that lived life to the fullest, loved to tell stories and joke. He had the gift of knowing how to make people laugh. He rode his motorcycle, a lifelong passion, until his early 90's. He was also an avid fisherman and in his early years a hunter. He also enjoyed gardening and golf. He is survived by his beloved daughters, Carole L. Vones Chen, Kim D. Vones; granddaughter, Vanessa Chen; and last surviving sibling, Charles Sumner Vones. Visitation will be held from 9-11AM on Monday, January 22, 2018 at Bridgewater Funeral Home, 707 East Main Street, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 followed by a Christian funeral service at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 232 Union Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876, Chapter 16, in memory of James Vones.