Lt. James W. Blair, Veteran Berkeley Police Officer, Dies At 46

Courtesy of Mastapeter Funeral Home

James W. Blair, 46m passed away at his home on Friday, April 22 with his family by his side.

Born in the Bronx, Jimmy (as he was known by many) grew up in Toms River and attended Toms River High School East where he met his wife, Tracey.

Shortly after high school, Jimmy enlisted in the US Army and proudly served his country in the Military Intelligence career field during Desert Shield/Desert Storm and was stationed in many places, most notably South Korea. He was a distinguished soldier who was the recipient of many awards and decorations. After an honorable discharge as a sergeant from the US Army, Jim was hired as a police officer with the Berkeley Township Police Department.

During his 20-year career with the BTPD, Jim rose through the ranks and was a Lieutenant at his retirement in 2014. Lt. Blair had many responsibilities throughout the years within the department, most notably traffic safety. After his retirement from BTPD, Lt. Blair worked as an agent for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office until his untimely passing. Jimmy had earned several college degrees including his master's degree in Criminal Justice.

Jimmy was hardworking and had a strong desire to serve his nation and community. His work ethic earned him the respect of his superiors and subordinates throughout his career. He was well-liked and was able to get along with everyone. Jim made everyone laugh with his unique sense of humor! J

Jimmy was also dedicated to being a great role model, mentor, and leader to all who worked with him. He was honest, reliable, and truly loved being a police officer. Although Jimmy was very successful in his career, he held no greater pride and joy than being a father, husband, and friend. He was a great father and spent as much time as he could to support Jaycee in whatever activities she was pursuing.

Jimmy also enjoyed spending quality time with his wife, Tracey, and their many trips as a family to Aruba! He was also a father figure to so many others through the years and a friend to anyone who knew him. Jim was also an avid card player who participated in many contests in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Lt. James Blair will be greatly missed by all and even more so by those who were close to him. May he enjoy eternal rest on a tropical beach somewhere!

James is survived by his wife, Tracey, and daughter, Jaycee, of Bayville, his parents, Marion and Nicky Blair and his sister, Diane Blair of Toms River.

Visiting hours will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday April 28, 2016 at Mastapeter Funeral Home, 270 Atlantic City Boulevard in Bayville. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 29, 2016 at St. Barnabas R.C. Church, 33 Woodland Rd., Bayville. Relatives and friends may meet at the funeral home at 9:30am. In Lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Berkeley Township PBA, 631 Pinewald Road, Bayville NJ 08721, in honor of James Blair.