James R. Burlew Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James R. Burlew, Jr. Known as Mr. Burlew to some, Monk to many, and Dad and Pop to the crew that loved him most, he passed away peacefully at home in the Cliffwood section of Aberdeen. He was 86 years old and lived a life truly worth telling about.
A lifelong resident of Aberdeen, Jim was the proud owner and operator of Burlew's Market in Cliffwood Beach. He also worked at Burlew's Inn, owned by his parents and remembered fondly around town for its famous pizza. A hardworking man in every sense, Jim later became a Mason with the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Local #8 in Howell, and he was a devoted lifelong member of the Cliffwood Volunteer Fire Company.
After retiring in 1994, Jim and his wife Jean spent their years traveling the world together. An outdoorsman at heart, he found his greatest happiness tending to his rose bushes and the enormous array of vegetables he grew with such pride. Throughout his life, he also enjoyed hunting in North Jersey, a pastime that brought him both peace and excitement. Jim loved cooking delicious meals, completing word finds, watching game shows, and working on puzzles. He was also deeply devoted to his faith and found comfort in saying the rosary.
Proud of every generation of his family, Jim could always be found sporting his grandchildren's attire
from their various schools, sports, and events. He wore his autism awareness gear with immense pride, showing unwavering love and support for his family. A loyal New York Yankees fan, Jim could talk baseball with anyone who would listen. He had a quick wit, an unforgettable sense of humor, and a collection of one-liners that kept everyone laughing-especially his classic, "Don't eat that, it'll get in your mouth."
James R. Burlew, Jr. will be deeply missed by his entire family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of hard work, humor, love, and community will live on in every story shared and every memory held close.
He was predeceased by his parents James Sr. and Sarah Burlew, his brother Anthony Burlew, and his son-in-law Anthony Howard.
He is survived by his extensive and loving family: his beloved wife of 68 years, Jean; his eight children and their spouses-Debbie Jouvin (Billy), Denise Black (Jimmy), Darlene, James Burlew III (Becky), Dennette Long (Jimmy), Darrin Burlew (Nancy), Dean Burlew (Nancy), and Dusti Brzezniak (Brandon). He is also survived by his 18 grandchildren and their spouses-James Black (Jennifer), Christopher Black (Tammy), William Jouvin (Nathalie), Gabrielle Jouvin, Brandon Burlew, James Burlew IV, Brianna Burlew-Sobin (Dylan), James Long (Jenna), Dean Burlew (Casey), Gianni Burlew, Brandon "Buzzie" Brzezniak, Jennelle Pukenas (Max), Jake, Julianna, Cole, Rocko, Blayze, and Presley-and his 9 great-grandchildren: James, Mason, Duke, Lainey James, Greysen, Daisy, Tommie, Weston, and Dagger. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Arlene Burlew, her family, and many other nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
Family and friends may attend visitation at Waitt Funeral Home & Cremation Service on Friday, December 12, 2025, beginning at 4:00pm. Prayers and a fireman's service will be held beginning 7:30pm. At Jim's request, the cremation will take place privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's name may be sent to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org,) The Parkinson's Foundation (www.parkinson.org,) or to the National Autism Association (www.NationalAutismAssociation.org.) To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James R. Burlew Jr., please visit our floral store.