James Robert Pederson

The youngest of three spirited brothers, James, better known as Jim, was born in Bound Brook, NJ. He graduated from Bound Brook High School and obtained his bachelor’s degree at the New Jersey State Teachers College at Trenton (now the college of New Jersey). While at Trenton, he was a collegiate basketball player and met his beloved wife of 65 years, Carole.

Jim’s career lasted over 30 years teaching Economics and US History primarily at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, NJ. There he developed lifelong friendships with his fellow educators and students. His commitment to his students extended outside of the classroom to the basketball court as the Varsity Men’s Coach, leading his 1964-1965 team to win the Central New Jersey Championship. He also passionately advocated for quality public education while holding leadership positions in the New Jersey Education Association.

When not working, Jim loved to fish, hunt, and cheer on the NY Giants. He spent much of his time outside of the classroom with his Brittany Spaniels hunting pheasant, or with his family and friends traveling the US in his camper in search of the next stream or river to fish. Jim simply enjoyed nature and people. Entertaining friends and family with good food, drink and much laughter brought him endless joy.

After retiring from teaching and a brief career in real estate, he and Carole moved from Far Hills, NJ to a lakeside log cabin in Tafton, PA before moving to Cary, NC to be closer to their daughters and their families.

Jim is survived by his daughters Tracey Haeseker (Peter) and Nancy Winkler, and his grandchildren Jay (Jerri), Kara, Jarod, and Eric who affectionately called him Poppy. He is pre-deceased by his wife Carole, who passed away in 2023, his parents Frank Pederson and Maude Morecraft Pederson, his brothers Kenneth and Frank “Pete” Pederson, and his son-in-law Michael Winkler.

Jim’s family wants to thank the staff at Spring Arbor of Cary for their compassionate care and kindness.

A private family memorial service will be held in Bound Brook, NJ on September 6th, 2024. Should you desire, charitable donations can be made in Jim’s memory to the National Park Foundation at nationalparks.org or your local ASPCA.