James Edward Donlin

James Donlin, 87, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2024, with family by his side and Irish music in his ears. Born and raised in Newark as a first-generation Irish American, Jim lived in Iselin, NJ for over 40 years before retiring to Toms River 16 years ago. He was a proud alumnus of St Benedict's Prep, Newark and then served in the Army National Guard. Jim enjoyed a long career in the automotive service industry, starting out as a hand model for Atlas Tire before holding various positions at car dealerships in the area. Jim was a life member of Saint Cecelia's Knights of Columbus and was a parishioner and usher at Saint Maximilian Kolbe Church.
Jim lived an active life coaching basketball for St Cecelia's Golden Knights for many years and faithfully running 5K races at the Jersey shore every summer. He was known as Mr. Merrill Park to his fellow runners when he completed his weekly runs in the Iselin park. He kept Irish traditions alive by baking Irish bread for every occasion and following singer Mike Byrne and The Willie Lynch Band every chance he could. While he was renowned for his Irish bread, he was notorious for his homemade wine and a perfect pour of whatever was in your glass. When Jim did relax, he enjoyed cruise vacations, bocce and dart leagues at the Holiday City clubhouse, picnics at Monmouth Park racetrack, watching Nascar, and photography.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret, his brother John and his sister Marge and her husband Ray Zwigard.
Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Arlene (nee Hall); children James and his wife Judy Donlin, Mary Kay Mitsinikos, Rosemary and her husband Myron Pilecki, Brian and his wife Neda Donlin, and Alice and her husband Jim McDermott; brother Kevin and his wife Ethel, and sister-in-law, Helen Donlin. He was "Pop" to 5 grandchildren, Cassie, Owen, Ziba, Molly, and Roya. He was "John's Jim" to countless cousins and "Uncle Jim" to many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
The family will receive friends and relatives on Monday, April 29, 2024 from 4pm to 8pm at Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am, Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at St. Maximilian Kolbe RC Church with entombment to follow at St. Maximilian Christ the King Mausoleum.
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