James E. Munnings, Jr.

James E. Munnings, Jr., 87, of Lakewood, was reunited with the love of his life Anna at home on Friday, July 8, 2022. Born in Elizabeth, NJ to parents James, Sr. and Gertrude Munnings. He lived in Old Bridge before moving to Lakewood.

James was such a beautiful man. Regardless of age or how much life someone has lived it is the hardest to say goodbye. We were no exception. The pain of loss is significant when someone was loved so very much by so many.

Jimmy was affectionately known as Dad, Poppy, JEM, Pops, Papa Bear, Gramps and so many more terms of endearment. Dad was kind, loving a teaser and so funny. To sum up simply the happiest man you could meet.

Ellen has said there is no one like him, she did not believe he was real and even said he saved her. Dad called her Nell, she was his Florence Nightingale in the last few years, his travel partner and his audience in so many funny moments as they went through their time in life together. He whistled and sang in the mornings. She was amazed at how happy he always was. Commenting in the last few days that even now he is joking and happy as he approached the end. He gave her the gift of a great partner.

His grandchildren lit up his life. Dad made every effort to tease, advise and love them every single chance he got. Kevin was at his side holding his hand and showing him so much love. Dad smiled from ear to ear as he teased calling his first grandson, sweetie, babe and honey in his final days. Gramps gave Kevin the gift of being adventurous and his smiley eyes.

Dad would speak of his grandson John’s recent visits to the house and how glad he was to see him. Dad, I believe, gave John the gift of perseverance.

Alex was Poppy’s lunch partner on Saturdays as we made our weekly run. Alex always smiled with his grandfather as they gently swapped stories about what was going on week after week. We did this for years. This young person never felt it as an obligation but a joy to be around Poppy. Poppy gave Alex his strength to be true to himself not to mention a smile that I am personally grateful for because that was one of my favorite things about Dad.

Dad had many dinners and a lot of fun with Tim and Chris, he would tell us of many times they shared meals and visits. He loved you both. You were given the gift of a great man in your lives.

Jim was blessed for 38 years with Anna his beautiful wife who left him too soon. Their love was true and beautiful to watch. I was always amazed at all the hand holding and talking they did. He lovingly cared for her until she left us. It is a calming feeling to know they are now together, holding hands again.

Dad was a great travel partner to both and a terrific friend with a desire for adventure. He would try anything once, even kale. Ok, he ate it one time and swore to never eat it again, but he did try it.

The infamous #1, #2 and #3…

All three girls were loved genuinely, we knew it every day. But boy did Dad have fun teasing us “Oh you are #1 today but if Mel were here, well she would have to be #1. The competition was a great way for him to tease a little and have fun with us.

Melody, is officially and affectionately #1. Not because she was born first, but because of the friendship and their understanding of one another. Mel and Dad shared some hard times by losing loves too early. Dad watched carefully over Mel when her husband Wayne left us as he knew the heartache. These two have an unbreakable bond. They could make each other laugh uncontrollably at times. Mel received the gift of his humor and fortitude.

Linda, or #3 always had Dads heart. I had the privilege of watching, as she doted on his every need. She gave him unconditional affection. A beautiful relationship. I don’t think Linda ever had to be told what he needed. She was intuitive to what his needs were. They really loved each other they didn’t need to ever say it because they showed it always. Linda was given the gift of wisdom and ability for giving good advice.

As for me, I am #2, Rennie as he called me. I would like to believe that I received the gift of happiness and the ability to believe there is good in everyone.

Thank you Dad, there will never be another like you but I am glad you left so many of us with the gifts of your life.

James is preceded in death by his first wife, Anna Munnings; and son-in-law Wayne Lloyd.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen Munnings. His children: Melody Lloyd, Renee Bogart and her husband Glenn Knowles, and Linda Munnings; step sons: Tim Hanna, Chris Hanna and his wife Valerie; grandchildren, Kevin Bogart, John Hanna and Alex Bogart; as well as all his friends and extended family.

Arrangements are entrusted to Horizon Funeral & Cremation Services, 1329 Rt. 37 W, Toms River, NJ 08755.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are recommended to Saint Jude (https://www.stjude.org/donate), or the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org).