James Crowley

March 27, 1931 - February 20, 2008

James "Deacon Jim" Crowley, 76 of Middletown died Wednesday at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune. Born in Bayonne he lived in the West Keansburg section of Hazlet for over 60 years before moving to Middletown 10 years ago ago. Was a combat veteran of the Korean War with the United States Navy. He also served the United States Naval Reserve from 1962 to 1966. He Was a Life member and Past president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4303, West Keansburg, as well as the American Legion and the Korean War Veterans and Past President of the Carrier Air Group II Associates. He was employed by New Jersey Bell Telephone Company for over 25 years He was a former member of the Raritan Township (now Hazlet Township) Planning and Zoning Boards He enrolled in a three year training program culminating in his ordination to the Order of Permanent Deacon on May 15, 1982. In his role as Deacon, he served his fellow parishioners by officiating at numerous baptisms, weddings and funerals. Deacon Jim was the first Deacon to serve at Saint Anne's Church, Keansburg and Saint Agnes Church, Atlantic Highlands. Deacon Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years the former Patricia Crowley, his children and their spouses: Maureen and Tom Unsinn, Middletown; Kathleen and Scott Whalen, West Keansburg; Therese and Tom Prentice, Skillman; Nancy Charpek, Belford; James and Hedy Crowley, Freehold; and Susanne and Phil Oltz, Raleigh, North Carolina; his grandchildren, Kevin and Brian Whalen, Kristen, Jillian and Tracy Prentice, Gregory and Julia Charpek and Kassidy and Riley Crowley. In lieu of flowers donations to the Sisters of Mercy Development Office 1645 Highway 22 Watchung, NJ 07069-6587