Laing, James August
Laing, James August, aged 92 a long time resident of Lake Tranquility, NJ died peacefully at Valley View Nursing home after a long illness with family at his side. He was the son of the late James Laing and Mae Zeevalk and Grandson of the late David Laing and Mary Mather and John Zeevalk and Emily Jane Meaker. James was born on Whittlesee Avenue and grew up on Watchung Avenue in West Orange and graduated in 1938 from West Orange High School. By 1941 he was working with Thomas Edison’s in West Orange as a clerk. His father also was working at that time as a financial assistant to Thomas Edison and Charles Edison former Governor of NJ.
In September 1942, James then joined the U.S. Navy as a Pharmacist Mate serving on the USS Rescue. During his 3 year time of service he was involved in the Asia Pacific Theater of action with his fleet being at the harbor during the signing of the armistice agreement with Japan. Several years later, James was married on September 18, 1949 at St. Georges Episcopal Church in Maplewood, NJ to Margaret Melissa Schmieder daughter of William Charles and Susie Almira Matteson Schmieder. James and Margaret lived in West Orange for over 10 years before moving up to Sussex County in the early 1960’s in Sparta, NJ. They then moved to Lake Tranquility and have been residents ever since.
James and Margaret have been long time members of Christ Episcopal Church. James was also a past Master for the Livingston Mason lodge No. 11 F& A.M. He just recently celebrated 65 years with this lodge. James and Margaret were married for 63 years. James worked various places such as Ankon in Newton, Alexander Lynn and Wallkill Valley Hospital as an Accountant like his father and retired in the 1990’s. He is survived by his sister Jean Audrey Madden of Lake Hopatcong, Son’s David James of Trenton and Twin Daniel Earl and wife Kyle of Belmar, William Charles of Stroudsburg, James Edward and partner John of Lake Tranquility and Jonathan Paul and wife Laura of Andover. He also had a daughter Susan Elizabeth Latham and husband Richard of Stillwater. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins.
Funeral services will be held Saturday April 13, 2013 at 11:00 AM in the Christ Episcopal Church #62 Main St. Newton, NJ. Interment will immediately follow in the Tranquility Cemetery #25 Maple Lane Road Tranquility, NJ. Visitation will be held Friday April 12th, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM in the Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral home 156 Main St (Rt. 206) Newton, NJ 07860. Masonic Services will be held Friday evening at 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, Memorials in James memory can be made to Christ Episcopal Church Choir in Newton, NJ.
