Obituary of James J. O'Leary, Jr.

James J. OLeary of Plainfield, NJ. died on August 2, 2008, at The Francis E. Parker Memorial Home in Piscataway, NJ., at the age of 82. He was born in New Brunswick, NJ. on September 13, 1925 to James OLeary and Elizabeth Farley. He was a teacher, guidance counselor, and coach at Edison High School for 34 years where he advised and inspired a generation of students. A gentle giant, Jim was a natural leader whose integrity, quick wit and hearty laugh made him a favorite of students and faculty and a joy to be around. When teaching History he referred to the New York Times as a living textbook. He was a graduate of New Brunswick High School and Duke University. He received a Masters Degree from Newark State College. In high school Jim was an outstanding athlete, the Middlesex County and State Champion in track and field and was selected for the Group IV All-State Football team. At Duke he excelled in track and field in the Atlantic and Southeastern Conferences and was Penn Re lays Champion in discus in 1950. Jim was the first coach of the Edison High School football and track teams. While at the helm, Edison High School won Central Jersey Football Championships in 1961 and 1963, Central Jersey Track Champions in 1968, 1971, and 1974.He was a member of the NJSIAA and a track and field official. He was elected to the Athletic Hall of Fame in New Brunswick and Edison High Schools. One of his favorite pastimes was singing with the Rahway Valley Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Singing in America, especially as tenor in the Happy Medium Quartet. James was predeceased by his beloved granddaughter Clare OLeary, his sister Elizabeth OLeary Buckalew, and his brother Robert OLeary . He is survived by his wife of 57 years Mary Ann Bresnahan OLeary, daughter Elizabeth Brotherton (James) of Bordentown, NJ, sons James (Mary Ann) of Westport, CT, Michael (Randa Sifri) of Philadelphia, PA, Robert (Elizabeth Anne) of Long Pond, PA and Thomas (Teresa) of Millbury, MA, his sister Catherine OLeary Gately and grandchildren Catherine, James, Patrick, Robert, Liam, Colin, Matthew, Christopher, Aidan, Thomas OLeary and James and Sarah Brotherton. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday,11 AM, August 23rd at St. Marys Church, Liberty and West 6th Streets, Plainfield, NJ . In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorials to St Marys Soup Kitchen, St. Mary Church, 516 West 6th Street, Plainfield, N.J., 07060.