James Robert Jeskey

James (Jim) was born June 25, 1934 in East Orange and raised in Irvington and Livingston, NJ. Jim was the son of Helen (née Lillis) and Anthony Jeskey.

He was a devoted father of four children, Donna Jeskey-Lowry (Christopher Lowry), Carolyn Jeskey (Timothy McAndrew), and Beth Jeskey-Smargiassi (Michael Smargiassi); he was predeceased by his beloved son and best friend, Michael Jeskey (Trish Jeskey). He was a loving brother to Patricia (Jeskey) Alderfer (Gill Alderfer), uncle to 18 nieces and nephews, and grandfather to Drew, Ryan, Julia, Rory, Aidan, Nicole, Shea, Gus, and Marc.

He had great friendships throughout his life, from his many athletic communities, the Church of Saint Philomena Men’s Ministry group, and more. He leaves behind his former wife and dear friend Jeanne Jeskey and his friend Antonio Lekhrajmal.

A standout athlete from a young age, Jim graduated from Caldwell High School in 1952. While there, he earned varsity letters in basketball and baseball. He continued his athletic career at Panzer College and Seton Hall University, where he pitched for the Pirates and recorded a remarkable 0.63 ERA during the 1955 season. Jim earned a B.A. in Physical Education and later earned his Master’s in Education. He served two years in the United States Army and played on an exhibition basketball team while stationed in Germany.

Jim dedicated 52 years of his life to Union High School, where he taught health and physical education and coached soccer, baseball, golf, and bowling. He was the head coach of the Union High School varsity boys soccer team for 47 years and led his teams to 500 wins and four county championships. In 2008, the Union High School Varsity field was officially named “Jim Jeskey Field.” Jim was also the assistant coach of the Union High School varsity baseball team for 50 years, supporting head coach and long-time friend Gordon LeMatty in achieving numerous state, county, and conference championships. In the 1970s and 1980s, Jim was the player-manager for the Livingston Giants baseball team. He was also the manager of Livingston’s American Legion baseball club for many years.

Jim shared his knowledge and love of sports, running, healthy eating, and physical fitness with family and friends. An avid runner, Jim completed 49 marathons. He also competed in the National Senior Games in basketball and track, traveling around the country for more than 20 years.

Jim has touched the lives of his family, friends, colleagues, students, and all those he coached. Jim made all of us better people through his examples of kindness and generosity.

In lieu of flowers, there are two ways you can support Jim’s legacy:

The family is establishing a fund that will provide scholarships for senior Union High School soccer athletes. Checks can be made out to the Union High School Athletic Association. Please include in the memo of the check: James Jeskey Memorial Scholarship and mail to Union High School Athletic Association, 2350 North Third Street, Union, NJ 07083.

At the time of Michael Jeskey’s death, Jim and his daughters established the Livingston High School Michael Jeskey Scholarship Fund through the Livingston Education Foundation (LEF). This scholarship honors Michael’s passion for technology and supports Livingston High School seniors who are pursuing technology or engineering degrees. Donations can be made to: LEF Michael Jeskey Scholarship Fund - 67 Martin Road, Livingston, NJ 07039.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 4:00PM to 8:00PM, at Quinn Hopping Funeral Home, 145 East Mount Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039. The Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:00AM, at Saint Philomena Roman Catholic Church, 386 S Livingston Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039, with a Committal to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery & Mausoleum, 225 Ridgedale Ave, East Hanover, NJ 07936.