James M. Valenti

James Michael Valenti, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at the age of 87 in Barnegat, NJ. James was born on January 20, 1932, in Garfield, NJ to Henry and Dora Valenti, and is a US Air Force Veteran of the Korean War. He formerly resided in Oakland, NJ where he was a member of the American Legion Post 369 before moving to Barnegat 15 years ago.

James played football and was an accomplished track star at Garfield High School. After high school, he proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1952-1956 as a medic. While stationed in Spokane, WA, he met his wife, Mary Clark. On June 27, 1954, James and Mary wed and moved to Boardman, OR, where they raised two of their children, Yvonne and Dan. In 1956 they moved to Garfield, NJ, where they added to their family with sons, Mickey and Jim. In 1962, they moved to Oakland, NJ where they had their fifth child, Lisa. They lived in Oakland for 43 years. During that time, James graduated from the Newark Technical School and retired from Smith Industries Security and Defense in Aerospace as a purchasing agent in 1998. In 2005, James and Mary moved to Barnegat, NJ to enjoy their retirement, as well as time in Tarpon Springs, FL.   

 He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary; five children and their spouses, Yvonne and Gary Lindemann, Dan and Kim Valenti, Mickey and Grace Valenti, Jim and Laura Valenti, Lisa and Drew Preston; grandchildren, Matthew, Andrew, Derek, Alex, Kyle, Alexandra, Magdalena, Travis, Jacqueline, Sophia, and Sydney.

Viewing Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 7 to 9 PM with a Blessing 8:45 PM at Barnegat Funeral Home, 841 W. Bay Ave., Barnegat, NJ. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations to Ken's Kitchen C/O St. Mary's Church, PO Box 609, Barnegat, NJ 08005 greatly appreciated. (www.BarnegatFH.com)

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