James Cook Schroeder

James (Jim) Cook Schroeder, 87, of Madison, NJ peacefully passed away on April 27, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born on January 5, 1938, at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan, NYC, to parents Ernest W. Schroeder and Sarah Cook Schroeder (née Long) of White Plains, NY. Notably, the family name Cook traces back to his ancestor, the English explorer Captain James Cook.
Jim spent his early childhood years in NY and the Chicago suburbs before moving to his beloved hometown of Cranford, NJ from middle school onwards. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University, where he studied English and History, and later earned a Master's degree in American History from the University of Wisconsin. Thereafter, he completed U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI and served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1965 stationed in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Ocean, and the Mediterranean during the Vietnam War.
Jim married Wendy Simmons in 1967 with whom he shares two sons, Andrew Ernest & Charles Cook. He worked for the Buxton Corporation in Florida and NJ and later owned a series of small businesses the last of which was an independent vending machine business called AndChar Services operating across NJ and NY.
In 1980 Jim married Nancy Edmonds with whom he shares daughter Stephanie Ruth. After a lengthy residence in Robbinsville, NJ, they moved to Spring Lake, NJ. In 2008, Jim often remarked he was in the "Fourth Quarter" of his life and married once again to Rita Coleman (née D'Amadio). Together they spent many years traveling, dancing, and enjoying the company of their extended families.
Jim's core priorities in life centered around a deep love for his family and friends, the US Navy, the New York Football Giants and the Republican Party. He was a product of the classic 1950s Golden Age. Jim often recalled memories which included racing cars on the yet to be completed Garden State Parkway, the emergence of Chuck Berry and rock 'n' roll, Cranford High sports where he excelled in track, Phi Delta Theta fraternity antics, summer nights at the Parker House, and endless stories of great times with friends. He was an eternal optimist, sometimes to a fault, who firmly believed in the American dream and the value of hard work.
His life was enriched by the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, and he found lasting strength and support through the program. His 47 active years as a sponsor to countless individuals resulted in many success stories and lifelong relationships. Jim was a religious man, actively taking part in worship across multiple Christian denominations and attending Program retreats.
James was a supportive and caring father. When his children were growing up, he was a passionate coach, a reliable no-questions-asked ride home, and taught them everything from hitting and pitching a baseball or softball to driving a stick shift car. He instilled in them the value of "Navy/Schroeder time," where being on time meant arriving 15 minutes early. He loved to take his kids to NY Giants games, the Jersey Shore, and annually to the Top of the World Trade Center and USS Intrepid Museum. At an early age, they were introduced to the culinary delights of Atlantic City's White House hoagies and grilled steak sandwiches for breakfast at his regular tailgates in section 18E "for Echo". Jim was one of those fathers that every high school and college friend felt they had a meaningful relationship with. As his children grew older, his support and mentorship were provided with love and patience and proved to be invaluable. To his grandchildren, "Pop-Pop" was their hero, and he was involved in many aspects of their lives.
Jim enjoyed playing golf and tennis, coaching, trips to St. Croix and hosting his regular "Jim-BQ's" in Spring Lake for large contingents of his friends and family. He was an avid reader of books and newspapers, with a deep knowledge of politics, military and American history where he seemingly had photographic recall up through his final days. He loved connecting with people and befriended virtually everyone he met.
Jim is survived by his wife, Rita Schroeder of Doylestown, PA; his children and their spouses: Andrew & Lisa Schroeder of Chatham NJ; Charles and Stacey Schroeder of Chatham, NJ; and Stephanie & Clint Evans of Columbus, OH. He will be dearly missed by his 8 grandchildren Brendan, Madeline, Colin, Charlie, Drew, Luke, Harper and Brody. He is predeceased by his parents Ernest and Sarah Schroeder; and many uncles, aunts and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (michaeljfox.org) or the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org).
A service and a celebration of Jim's life will be held at The Presbyterian Church of Chatham at a later date to be announced. The family welcomes all to join them in honoring his remarkable life.
To send the family a condolence, please visit, www.bradleyfuneralhomes.com