James E. Vezina

James (Jimmie, Jim) Vezina, 66 passed away peacefully on August 26, 2020 after courageously fighting a lifelong battle with diabetes. He refused to give into his disease or have it define him and was determined to live a life without limits and oh boy did he.

Born in Toms River, NJ, Jim grew up in Island Heights graduating from Central Regional High School in 1972. He raised his family in South Toms River and moved to Beachwood in 1997.

For 36 years Jim was an electrician for Toms River Schools, retiring in 2011. Throughout Jim’s life he volunteered. In his early days he was a member of the Toms River First Aid squad, coached his son David’s little league teams, and worked on the Pit Crew for the TR High School South Marching Indians Band which his son Richard was actively involved. In 2012, Jim with his wife, joined the Mid Atlantic English Springer Spaniel Rescue where he met the love his life, Cooper. He tirelessly organized events, handcrafted items to sell, fostered dogs, traveled to regional events to promote rescue, and talked to anyone who would listen about springers. Cooper became a certified therapy dog. They regularly visited patients at CMC bringing great joy to staff and patients alike.

Early on Jim liked to camp with his family, traveling the eastern seaboard. Later, he continued to travel. We laughed from France to Germany to Amsterdam to London. He cruised at every opportunity and took motorcycle trips from Mt. Rainer, Washington to Key West and so many places in between. He loved fishing the Florida Keys and surf fishing in IBSP. Jim was a life-long die-hard NY Mets fan, sticking by them always.

Jim could be a curmudgeon but such a goof ball too, making everyone that came in contact with him laugh. He was a loyal friend to many, always there to help in any way. He enjoyed life to the fullest and his grandkids were his greatest joy.

Jim is predeceased by his father, Emile Vezina. He is survived by his much loved but exasperating wife, Christine, son David and his wife Christina, son Richard and son in law Alex and his grandchildren Shealyn, Abigail, Charlotte, and Nolan. He is also survived by his mother, Carolyn, his brother William and sister Ruthann Davis as well as his Father & Mother In-Law (and true friends) Lawrence & Paula Lee and many other family members, great friends, and the “deck girls”.

A special thanks to Dr Kenneth Granet, Jim’s doctor of over 25 years, who was so instrumental in helping Jim fight the good fight for many years. Godspeed Jim. Until we see you again.

Visitation will be held at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River on Tuesday, September 1, from 4-7pm and Wednesday from 9-11am, with a funeral service at 10:30am. Please wear METS colors on Wednesday in honor of Jim. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Mid Atlantic Springer Spaniel Rescue or your favorite animal rescue.