Obituary of James R. Dowd

James R. Dowd, NJSP, Capt. Ret., age 86, of New Egypt passed away Thursday, January 17 at home surrounded by his family.  Born and raised in Jersey City, he moved to New Egypt in 1956.

Jim served in the US Army during the Korean War.  After his military service, he joined the New Jersey State Police in 1956 and served proudly until his retirement in 1986 as a Captain.  Jim worked at the Wrightstown Barracks, the Bordentown Barracks and finally at Division Headquarters in West Trenton.  Jim always liked to keep busy so after his State Police career he worked as an Investigator with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in Cost Recovery, Environmental Enforcement and Natural Resource Damages.  He proudly served the State of New Jersey for 55 years.  After Jim’s second retirement, his focus in life was taking care of his beloved wife Marie.

Jim was a member of the Former NJ State Troopers Association, The American Legion Post 455 in New Egypt and the New Egypt Elks Lodge #2457 and also served on the Plumsted Township Planning Board for numerous years.  He also loved to attend the sporting events of his grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his parents, Thomas L. and Rose Marie Dowd and by a step-son, Douglas Gamble.  Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Marie L. Dowd; a daughter and son-in-law, Deneen and Lee Hill of Cookstown; four grandchildren, James Hill, Thomas Hill, Krystle Hill and fiancé Brandon McCloskey and Melissa Gamble-Messinese; a great grandchild, Kaleb; a brother, Joseph Dowd and wife Susan of Oklahoma, a brother-in-law, Edward Wilson of Levittown, PA and nieces, Karen and Debbie and nephews, James, Richard and Colin. Jim is also survived by his beloved grand-dogs, Gage and Bullet and by his many friends.

Jim’s family would like to thank his caregiver Lisa “Lulu” who gave him the best care for the past eight months and also special thanks to his “Driver” Ellen for his twice weekly visits to see his beloved wife Marie and for their stops at McDonalds.

Funeral services for Jim will be held on Friday, January 25 at 12 Noon at the Tilghman Funeral Home, 52 Main Street, New Egypt, NJ 08533 (www.tilghmanfh.com)  with burial to follow in Zion Cemetery in New Egypt.  Calling hours will be from 10 am until noon at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s name can be made to the Burlington County Animal Shelter https://burlingtoncountynj.formstack.com/forms/animal_shelter_donations or to Grace Healthcare Services, 105 Fieldcrest Avenue, Suite 402, Edison, NJ 08837.