James Kearney

Our Beloved Minister James (June) Blackwell Kearney, son of the late James Henry Kearney and Nettie Lou (Carter) Kearney, was born August 23, 1936, in Warren County, North Carolina. He entered into eternal rest on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at home in Lakewood, New Jersey surrounded by his loving family.

James bragged about being a "Country Boy", loving fishing and catching squirrels, snakes and rabbits for sport. He also had a passion for working on cars "fixing up the old jalopies. But one of his greatest enjoyments was cooking. He could be counted on to prepare the most delicious meals. People regularly lined up for his chopped barbeque sandwiches and sweet potato pies.

James came to New Jersey as a young man with his best friend, where he met his wife and lifelong partner of 60 plus years, his late wife, Emma Dean (Swain). They were united in holy matrimony in July 1959 in their place of residence at 230 John St. They later purchased their first home together in Lakewood in the 60's.

James worked as a chef at Kings Grant Inn, Pt. Pleasant, NJ and upon their closure he went to work at the White Elephant restaurant in Seaside Park, NJ. Before retiring he held a chef position at Peterson's Restaurant and helped his son Glenwood as a chauffeur for various limousine companies. A severe back injury forced him into early retirement but that never stopped him from being actively involved in his church and the community. James was ordained as a Deacon in the Church of God In Christ and later ordained as a Minister under the Pastoral leadership of Elder Louis Rogers. In his latter years he worked closely with his daughter, the late Pastor Mary Dean Vaden and her husband the late Bishop Henry Vaden, in the pulpit of St Peters Angelic Church of God in Newark, NJ.

James was affectionately known to his grandchildren as Pop. He spent his life devoted to raising children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, loving each as his own. As his children and grandchildren passed through the Lakewood School System, he was by his wife's side as an avid supporter and volunteer. He and Emma were the volunteer dream team, serving lunches for the students of Ocean Day School, cleaning the school after hours, fundraising for the Lakewood High School Athletic Department as well as attending fundraising events for Livingstone College Alumni Association. He was loved and respected by students and staff.

James is pre-deceased by his parents, James and Nettie Kearney, wife Emma Dean (Swain) Kearney, 3 infant children (twins-Alnita/Alvita and Renee), son Glenwood Kearney and Daughter Mary Dean Vaden; granddaughter Simone Kiara Turner Kearney, and grandson Daniel Kearney Jr., his siblings Willie Andrew, Bermer Lee, Jessie Otis, Ben Junious, John, Margaret Carolyn, Mabel Richardson, Mary E Jackson.

His legacy and memory will continue to be cherished by his sons Robert "Bootsie" Williams (Chebra) GA, Barry Kearney (Claudette) NJ, Mark Kearney, Daniel Kearney, NJ. His daughters Selina Kearney NJ, Jocelyn Kearney NJ, T'naiya Kearney-McCain (Joseph) NJ. His Brother Thurman (Barbara) SC, Barbara Ann Donaldson DE, Nettie G. Macon NJ, Emily F. Santiago FL. Siblings in love: Doris Wilburn NJ, Annabelle Kearney NC, Daisy King NJ, Shirley (Robert) Nixon NC, Robert (Betty) Swain NC, William Earl Swain NJ. Pop will also be lovingly remembered by his 28+ grandchildren; 38+ great grandchildren and 6+ great great grands and a host of nieces, nephews, close friends and loved ones.