James Alfred Cherrey, Jr. passed to life eternal February 12, 2017 with his wife and children by his side. Jim is survived by his wife of almost 54 years, Heather, and his children who he was enormously proud of, James and his wife Jill, Brigadier General John and his fiancée Lisa Jo Muenichsdorfer, Michael and his wife Carla, and his daughter Jennifer also, his wonderful grandchildren, Andrew, Jenna, Brendan, Rachel, Matthew, Nicholas and Hannah. He is predeceased by his parents, James, Sr. and Rena.
Jim lived in Dumont most of his life, moving to Woodland Park 10 years ago. He attended the Dumont schools, received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Trenton State College and a Master of Arts Degree with certification in Administration and Supervision from Montclair State University. He then returned to Dumont Schools, teaching Industrial Arts and Technology for almost 40 years in both the High School and Honiss School. Early in his career, he coached football and track. A man of many talents, in the summers he worked as a carpenter, roofer and siding contractor.
An Eagle Scout, Jim served as a leader of Cub Scout Pack 131 and as Scoutmaster of Troop 64 for many years. He served as Program Director at Forrestburg Scout Reservation.
He was a Past Master of Alpine, Tilden, Tenakill Lodge #77, Free and Accepted Masons. He served as group leader of the Rutherford Multiple Sclerosis Support Group. Jim served as a member of the editorial staff of the News From the Notch newsletter. He taught a class at Bergen Community’s Learning in Retirement Institute along with his wife. He served as a
Deacon, Chairman of House and Property and Co-coordinator of Old North Reform Church’s homeless ministry with the Interreligious Fellowship for the Homeless.
An excellent cook and baker, noted for his 16 layer cakes, eclairs, and lemon meringue pies, he loved reading, and working Sudoku and cryptogram puzzles and playing cribbage with anyone who would play.
Visitors will be received at the S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home on Friday Feb. 17 from 4-8 pm.
A Funeral Service will conducted at the First Congregational Church, 40 South Fullerton Ave. Montclair on Saturday at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations to First Congregational Church, Montclair in Jim’s memory would be appreciated.

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