CAPTAIN JIMMY MEARS

MEARS, CAPTAIN JIMMY 53 - of Barnegat Light passed away on Wednesday January 11, 2012. Born in Toms River, he lived in Forked River before moving to Barnegat Light in 1974. He grew up on boats and has been fishing since he was five years old. He has been a captain for over 35 years and worked on the commercial fishing boats Vivian III, Frances Anne, Beth Anne, Miss Kait and the Mandy Ness and he captained the charter boat Little Chic. He was a member of the Blue Water Fisherman's Association. Jimmy was a 1977 graduate of Southern Regional High School. He enjoyed watching the NY Mets and NY Jets. He always had a smile on his face, and everyone loved him. He is survived by his son Justin and daughter Kaitlin, both of Manahawkin, parents Don and Fran Mears of Barnegat Light, brother and sister-in-law Dan and June Mears of Barnegat Light, sister and brother-in-law Beth Anne Mears Schofield and Jim Schofield of Barnegat, and brother and sister-in-law Rick and Sheena Mears of Eagleswood. He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews: Jessica, Danny, Vanessa, Amanda, Julia and Dylan Mears and Stephanie and Matt Schofield. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday January 17, 2012 at 11:00am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Brant Beach. Viewing hours will be on Monday January 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Maxwell Funeral Home 573 Mill Creek Rd Manahawkin, NJ 08050. For driving directions or to send condolences please go to www.maxwellfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to a forthcoming memorial fund.