Obituary of James D. English

Our Hero, Our Father, Our Friend In the morning hours of August 19, 2012 heaven rejoiced as we mourned when James D English Sr., joined Shirley, his beloved wife of 63 years, in eternity. Born August 18, 1928, the eldest son of the late Elizabeth Carr Gross and James Wesley Ellsworth English passed quietly from this world to the next at 6:10 AM in the home of his daughter in Williamstown, NJ. Jim spent his early years growing up in Merchantville and Cherry Hill, NJ where he developed a love for all sports. He was a running back for his high school football team and later played 2nd baseman on the semi pro baseball team that played at Hinchman Field. During this time he was asked to try out for a professional team, but opted instead to marry and start a family with the love of his life, Shirley Conley. Jim was an avid fan of the Eagles, the Phillies and the Flyers, and in his later years could be found on the golf course, often with one of his sons at his side. On July 13, 1949, Jim and his Cutie married and began their life together. Over the next six decades they raised 11 children and became the proud grandparents to 38 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren. During this time Jim worked as an Ambulance Driver for Woodland Fire Company, a Caddy at Pine Valley Country Club, a grocer, and then for 25 years as a sail-maker for Delaware River Canvas Company, becoming a partner and operator of A&J Canvas Goods Company in Camden . A & J was in operation for 17 years before Jim retired to Jacksonville, Florida. Always the worker, Jim took a job with Goodwill Industries working in the kitchen at Cecil Field and Jacksonville Naval Base where he met Rickey Carmichael, who became his friend and companion. The English Family will be eternally grateful to Rick for watching over Jim and Shirley in their final years. Jim is survived by his 11 children; Shirley & husband Bill Goszy, Jim Jr. & wife Donna, Chuck & wife Jeannie, Doris & husband Ed Ganzano, Betsy & husband Darrell Chittum, Dotsy & husband Bob Guenzer, Kathy & husband Lou DiDomenico, Verna & husband Chip Goss, Vicki & husband Jon Kroljic, Bob & wife Kim, and Joe & wife Tracy. He is also survived by and will be sadly missed by his 38 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren, his sister Betty Moulder, and brothers George, John & Carl English. A Memorial Service will be celebrated at Calvary Fellowship of Gloucester County, 5360 Black Horse Pike, Turnersville, NJ 08012, on Thursday August 30, 2012 at 6:30 PM. As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers donations can be made to City of Light Ministries, PO Box 202, Atco, NJ 08004.