Obituary of James E. Tunis

James E. Tunis, 79, of Freehold formerly of Brick passed away peacefully at Mattison Crossing, Freehold.  Jim, a native of Newark, New Jersey, had a rich and varied life.  He resided in several locations throughout the state, including Lake Parsippany, East Hanover, Point Pleasant, and ultimately settling in Brick.
A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Jim served during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1963.  He dedicated his career to public service, retiring in 1997 as a Captain with the Newark Police Department.  His assignment to the motorcycle detail during his service fostered a lifelong passion for riding, culminating in his ownership of a Goldwing and Harley-Davidson Motorcycles.
Active in his community, Jim was a member of the American Legion, Post 348, in Brick and the Brick Elks Lodge #2151.  He enjoyed escaping the New Jersey winters as a "snowbird," spending time in Naples and Fort Myers on the west coast of Florida.
His love for the water extended beyond his travels.  In Point Pleasant, Jim owned his own boat, reflecting his enjoyment of life on the water.  Most of all, he was a loving and supportive father who cherished his role as a grandfather. 
Jim is survived by his son, James Tunis, Jr. and his wife, Sharon of Randolph; daughter, Gloria Varela and her husband, Peter of Freehold; grandsons, Peter and Michael Varela; and brother, Charles Tunis and his wife, Carmela of Belleville.
A visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Monday, December 30, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 16 McLean Street, Freehold.  Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington.  For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.