His parents, Jennie (Malestein) and Albert J. Morel, Sr. proudly welcomed their son into the world on October 30, 1938 in Paterson, New Jersey. Jim was a resident of Wyckoff, New Jersey for several years before moving to Troy in June of 1967.
While residing in Wyckoff, Jim was a volunteer firefighter with the Wyckoff Fire Department for 8 years; and while residing in Troy, he was a longtime member of the Meadowood County Area Fire Department. Jim was a 51 year member of the Troy Trinitarian Congregational Church where he sang in the choir, was a member of the church trustees, was always willing to fix anything that needed fixing at the church, as well as entertaining with his tenor voice while preparing for the many church suppers he helped with.
He put his skills to use as a mason, carpenter and painter, working for several area businesses including; Ted Gnade Builders, Deck House, Ken Bergeron, and Dana Torrey Painters. Jim was a very hard worker, sometimes working several different jobs at a time. Every project he completed had to be meticulous.
A man with a huge heart, Jim found his solace and little piece of paradise at the cottage on Lake Ashuelot in Washington, NH, fondly known as “Pennies From Heaven”. He considered himself rich in values but most importantly rich in family. During his down time, he enjoyed fishing; and after retirement, he enjoyed watching college football and working on his many projects around the house. He will be missed by many for his great sense of humor.
Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce A. (Van Kampen) Morel of Troy; his son, Jeffrey “Jeff” Morel and his wife, Eva, of Surry, NH; his daughter, Jody Holmes and her husband, Steven, of Langdon, NH; a grandson, Phillip James Morel of Poulsbo, Washington; a brother, Albert J. Morel, Jr. and his wife, Ruth Ann, of Midland Park, NJ; a sister, Doris J. Sless and her husband, Gary, of Andover, NJ; a brother-in-law, Roger Clyde Van Kampen and his wife, Sheri, of West Bloomfield, MI; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members in New Jersey. He was predeceased by a brother, Charles Morel.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 16, 2018 at 1:00PM in the Troy Trinitarian Congregational Church, 11 South Main Street, Troy. Burial will be in the spring in the Mountain View Cemetery, Troy. Family and friends are invited to call on the family on Friday from 11:00AM until 1:00PM at the church.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 17th at 11:00AM in the Washington Congregational Church, 1 Half Moon Pond Road, Washington, NH.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made in Mr. Morel’s memory to the Troy Trinitarian Congregational Church, 11 South Main Street, Troy, NH 03465; or to a charity of one’s choice.
