James Vincent Monsu

James (Jim) Vincent Monsu of Oaklyn, NJ (formerly of West Deptford, NJ) died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the age of 62 after a brave three-and-a-half-year battle with ALS.

Jim was born on June 16th, 1964 to Vincent and Eleanore Monsu (nee Makohuz) in Camden, NJ and raised in Westville, NJ.

Jim lived his life to the fullest. He enjoyed camping, traveling (seeing all 50 states), spending time on his boat, driving anything with wheels, and flying his Zodiac home-built airplane after earning his pilot’s license. He was SCUBA certified, had his drone license, and liked to tinker with his pinball machines.

Jim supported his sons in their activities and projects from racing and fixing cars to tackling major home renovations. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t build or fix as most of his friends and neighbors know! He was a true friend to so many.

His life was anchored in service; he worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District for 43 years ending his career as the Chief of Emergency Management. He followed in his father’s footsteps, starting his career at Marine Design Center as a draftsman and project manager. He also served on the Power Team, supporting the Corps in collaboration with FEMA following natural disasters, which took him all over the country and to Guam. He met countless great people and helped so many along the way.

Jim had many interests, but he was happiest when spending time with his wife, Mary. After their epic wedding in Savannah, the two enjoyed concerts, boat trips, Phillies games, neighborhood friends and all of the simple things, together. Oaklyn certainly just got a little quieter without the sounds of Jim and Mary singing karaoke together in the evenings. The party never stopped in their short time together and nothing was left unsaid or undone.

Survived by his beloved wife Mary {nee Sullivan}; sons Nicholas {Danielle} of Belle Mead, NJ, and Christian {Kaitlyn} of Westville, NJ; his two grandchildren; the mother of his children, Kimberly Monsu, of West Deptford, NJ, and sister Kathleen {Paul} Ellenberg of Blackwood. He will also be missed by his nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life on Saturday, October 10, 2026. The visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, with services starting at 11:00 AM at the Blake-Doyle Funeral Home, 226 Collings Ave., Collingswood, NJ.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent in Jim’s memory to the MDA/ALS Center of Hope at Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine at www.alshf.org.