James Leahy

Born May 14, 1955, to Mildred and Joseph P. Leahy Jr. and raised in Cranford, NJ. Jim grew up with his three siblings, Anne, Joseph III, and Dennis. After graduating from Cranford High School in 1973, Jim married the love of his life, Doreen, in 1974. Together they began building a beautiful life and moved to Beach Haven West, NJ in 1983 with their two daughters, Tara and Jaime. In 1995 the family was blessed with a son and brother, Chace.

Jim was an avid golfer and member of the Choir Boys, a men’s touring golf team. A long serving member of Main Street Alliance Church. Jim was never scared to take on new opportunities and did everything with honesty and integrity. He was a respected Insurance broker and the proud owner of Professional Benefits Service, Inc., a family owned and operated business he established in 1983.

His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to Monster Trucks. Jim owned and operated The Broker monster truck with the help of many friends from 2002 – 2009. The Broker participated in events hosted by USHRA Monster Jam across the country. At an event in Hidalgo, TX he met a family staying at the same hotel, the family he learned would be homeless within days. Jim was young in his faith but felt compelled to plant seeds. Those seeds flourished and so did the gardener. In the last few weeks of Jim’s life, he brought dozens of family members and friends to Jesus in his backyard swimming pool. Jim was in need of saving, yet he was the one with a mission to save.

Above all, Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. The times spent with his family were his happiest and most cherished. His legacy is woven into the lives of countless individuals who knew him.

Survivors in addition to his loving wife Doreen of 50 years include his three children: Tara Falk and her husband Kurt Sr., Jaime and her husband Bill, and Chace. He was a devoted Pop to his cherished grandchildren; Christian, Kurt Jr., Skylar, Delaney and R.J. Jim is also survived by his sister Anne C. Leahy of Brick, NJ; brothers Joseph P., III. and Bina Leahy of Palm Coast, FL, and Dennis J. and Mary Leahy of Sparta, NJ, Sisters and brothers in law; Bonnie and Joseph Mooney of Springfield, NJ, and Danna and Chris Fraser of South Plainfield, NJ and his many cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on October 13, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00. Thos. L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Dr., Manahawkin, NJ 08050

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name may be sent to David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation 609-489-011. https://davidsdreamandbelieve.org

To leave online condolences and fond memories of Jim for the Leahy family, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com