Obituary of James C. Van Sickle Jr

Van Sickle, James C. Jr. of Haledon, NJ, passed away on March 1, 2025 at age 83.

Jim was cared for during his illness the past two years at the New Jersey Firemen's Home. The fire department was an important part of his life and it was fitting for him to spend these final years there. Jim leaves his wife Joanne 'nee Bernardo, his son James and his daughter Joelle and her husband Steven. Jim also leaves four grandchildren, Sophie, Julia, Quinn and Oliver. Jim was predeceased by his parents, and his brother Richard. He is survived by his sister Charlotte.

Jim had a lifetime passion for cars, predominately Ford! He was the Service Manager at Ken Smith Lincoln Mercury for 30 years and served as president of the Ford Motor Company Parts and Service club. He subsequently became the Agent for the NJ State Division of Motor Vehicles. Jim is retired from the County of Passaic where he held the position of supervisor of the Motor Pool. While at Passaic County he served as President of Vision 2020 and Chairman of the Passaic County Fair for 10 years.

During his lifetime, Jim was an active public servant and there was hardly an organization he belonged to that he didn't eventually preside over. He served as Fire Chief of Haledon Fire Department for two years. He served as a Council member of the Borough of Haledon and as Mayor for 12 years. He was past president of the Haledon Exempt Firemen's Association, life member of the NJ State Firemen's Exempt Association, and member of the New Jersey State Fire Chief's Association. He was past president of the Haledon Board of Health and also served as Treasurer of the Manchester Utilities Authority. He was a member of the NJ League of Municipalities Executive Board for 10 years. When his son was in Cub Scouts, he served as Haledon Cub Scouts Pack Leader.

He was always ready to serve and his legacy lives on. The family will receive friends on Wednesday March 5th from 4-8 PM at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Boulevard, Totowa, NJ. There will be a prayer service at the funeral home on Thursday March 6th at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations to the New Jersey Firemen's Home, 565 Lathrop Ave, Boonton, NJ 07005, would be appreciated.