James Manno

B. James (Jim) Manno, 104, of Pompton Plains, formerly of Oradell, NJ passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025.
Born in Jersey City, NJ, he was the son of the late James and Florence (Pfeiffer) Manno. He graduated from Edison High School in Union City, NJ and New York University. He graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1942 and served in both Atlantic and Pacific Ocean operations during World War II. As one of his duties, he was a part of the initial troop's entry into Nagasaki, Japan following the end of the war. After the war, Jim served 34 years in the Coast Guard Reserves, retiring as a full Commander.
Jim worked for O'Sullivan Corporation for over 30 years, retiring as a Regional Vice President.
Jim met the love of his life, Helen, at the Peggy Runway Lodge in Narrowsburg, NY and they married in November 1948. They were together for over 73 years until her passing in March 2022.
Jim resided in Oradell, NJ for over 50 years, where he and Helen raised three children. He was a dedicated father, serving as coach and president in the Oradell Little League. His civic contributions also included years of participation in the Oradell American Legion, where he served as Commander. A devout Catholic, he served as a deacon at St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in River Edge, NJ.
In his sophomore year at NYU, he was a walk-on for the track team. In his senior year, he won a gold medal at Madison Square Garden in the 1,000-yard dash. Over 40 years after he graduated from NYU, he co-founded North Jersey Masters Running Club and started running competitively again in USA Track & Field Masters events, winning numerous state, regional and national titles. He attended World Masters competitions in New Zealand and Sacramento, CA, winning several world titles. He continued running in Masters events until the age of 90, setting world records in several events. A scholarship was established in his name at River Dell Senior High School. He also enjoyed playing poker in friendly, low-stakes games which continued well into his nineties at Cedar Crest Senior Living Community.
Jim is survived by his son James Manno (Tara), daughter Linda Culvert (Tim) and son Steve Manno (Merlene). His beloved wife, Helen, infant daughter Barbara Jean, parents James and Florence, and sister Georgene Schwerin precede him in death. He is also survived by grandchildren Jason Culvert (Kerry), Megan Graziano (Peter), Liam Culvert, Zachary and Alexander Manno, and great grandchildren Samantha and Abigail Culvert, and Jack and James Graziano.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23 at 4-8:00 p.m. at Volk-Leber Funeral Home in Oradell, NJ. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in River Edge, NJ. at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow the service at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, N.J.
Jim and Helen generously donated to dozens of worthy charities during their lives, including the American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer's Association, The Salvation Army, Boys Town, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Red Cross, any and all charities benefiting war veterans and any and all charities benefiting stray animals. In lieu of flowers please consider making a charitable contribution to any of these or other worthy charities or the Cedar Crest Resident Care fund.