Obituary of James S. Cafiero

James S. Cafiero,94, a native of North Wildwood was called home by our Lord on August 3, 2023. He was a lifelong resident of Cape May County.James became gainfully employed at the tender age of 9. His earliest occupation included working on the Wildwood Boardwalk as a game operator, as a bus boy at Groff's restaurant, as a Western Union telegram delivery boy and as a carrier for the Wildwood Post Office. He also faithfully served his country as a Junior Air Raid Warden during the Second World War.

James attended Margaret Mace Elementary School, St. Ann's Elementary School and Wildwood High School. He was accepted to Princeton University in 1946. While there he joined the Navy ROTC. James was commissioned as an Ensign upon graduation and subsequently enrolled in Penn Law School. He earned his Jurist Doctorate and was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1954.

James practiced law for over 66 years. During that time, he entered politics and was elected to the New Jersey Assembly in 1968. James served two terms as an Assemblyman before he was elected to the State Senate in 1972. James served in the Senate for 10 years and retired in 1982. He then returned for a second round of Senatorial Public Service in 1990 where he served an additional 14 years. He was re-elected four time. In 2004, he retired from politics permanently.

James was a well known and loved for his humor, altruism, humbleness, loyalty, compassion, quick wit and bipartisan politics. He treated everyone he encountered the way he wanted to be treated...with kindness, understanding and respect.

James is predeceased by his parents Hazel and Anthony, as well as his Brother-In-Law and former law partner William Balliette. He his survived by his best friend and wife Patricia; Three Sons-Jamey, Drew (Maria) and Stephen ( Jody); Six Grandchildren- Stephanie (Shane), Lindsay (Jayson), Trey ( Veronica), Patrice, Andrew,Preston; and Great-Grandson Luke. He is also survived by his Sister Andrea Balliette as well as Nieces Lynn, Lauren, Nicole and Nephews William and A.J.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrtated Wednesday August 9th at St. Ann's Church ( Notre Dame De La Mer Parish) 2901 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood,NJ 08260. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.. Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Internment wiil take place at St. Mary's Cemetery 1056 Seashore Rd., Cape May, NJ 08204

Anyone wishing to contribute a gift in Jim's memory is welcome to do so at St. Jude's Childrens Hospital and Shriner's Hospital.

Condolences may be sent to ingersollgreenwoodfh.com