'Heart Of Gold:' LBI Rallies For Fisherman Who Died

James Lacey, a former Barnegat Light fisherman who died last week in a boat capsize, battled personal demons but found faith in God and love in fishing, his family says.

His spirit and generosity have persisted, as his family raises money for the James Lacey Memorial Fund.

Lacey's family has been raising funds for his funeral following his death last week in Oregon. They have almost reached their fundraising goal but are still seeking donations.

Lacey, 48, and Barnegat Light native Stephen Biernacki, 50, died Tuesday night after their boat capsized in a bay off Newport, Ore., Coast Guard officials said. The Lacey family set up a GoFundMe so they can transport Lacey's remains to the East Coast and he can be laid to rest.

"Underneath Jim's rough exterior was a heart of gold," Andrew Lacey wrote. "He battled many personal demons, but his strong faith in God and man, and his love of fishing and the ocean, carried him through some of the darkest times life can offer. Through it all, he never lost his sense of humor, his gift of storytelling, and his love for family and friends."

The James Lacey Memorial Fund has reached $4,670 of its $5,000 goal as of Monday morning. Additional funds will support families of fishermen lost at sea, Andrew Lacey wrote.

"He spent most of his life working the oceans in all kinds of weather, and often said he'd seen the worst of this planet while fishing, but also the most glorious moments: sunrise, calm winds, sunsets, and nights with more stars in the sky that you could imagine," Andrew Lacey wrote.

Read more: Longtime Fishermen Out Of Barnegat Light Killed In Capsize: Cops

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe, a promotional partner of Patch.