James M Kaiser

James M Kaiser, age 87, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at Mattison Crossing Assisted Living in Freehold/ James was born in Jersey City, NJ. He was married in Jersey City to Marilyn M. Kaiser, who predeceased him in 2018. They moved to Point Pleasant, NJ in 1958. Throughout the years, James moved various locations in Ocean County, Point Pleasant, Toms River, and Lakewood before residing in Freehold in 2023.

James graduated from Henry Snyder High School in Jersey City in 1955 and started working for Chase Manhattan Bank in NY the same year. He had been working in the banking loan industry throughout his career. From Chase to Trust Co. of Ocean County, First State Bank of Ocean County (AVP), Pineland State Bank (EVP and founding member), Howell State Bank (established bank, President, and CEO), Garden State Bank (SVP), and Summit Bank (VP).

James was a member and officer of various affiliations including Rotary Club of Lakewood (past president and Paul Harris Fellow Award), Rotary Club of Brick (Past Commissioner), Howell and Lakewood Chamber of Commerce (past presidents), Monmouth Ocean Development Council, Ocean EDA, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Ocean County (past president). Awards received included VIP Award in 1988 from Kimball Medical Center. Citizen of the Year in 1990 from National Council Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and Outstanding Community Service in 1995 from Jersey Shore Boy Scouts.

James was a proud member of The American Legion Post 0166 in Lakewood after serving in the U.S. Army National Guard.

James was a loving husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all he met. His compassion, care, and humor will be greatly missed by all.

His son Richard predeceased him in 2020. He is survived by his sons, James and William, sister-in-law, Rosemary, brother-in-law Raymond, daughters-in-law, Cindy, Robin, Lynn, and Stephanie. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kristen, Richard, Eric, Daniel, Kevin, Robert, Michael, Samantha, and many great-grandchildren.