James J. Truncer, 86, of Allentown, passed away Feb. 19, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family. Born in Woodbury, he grew up in the Princeton area before moving to Upper Freehold Township in 1952. A U.S. Airforce veteran serving during the Vietnam Era, Jim earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University, where he studied Natural Resources Management. He worked for the Monmouth County Park System for over 58 years, a career that he loved.
Jim and his wife Ramona raised their family in Holmdel, later moving back to Allentown 23 years ago. He was a longtime member of the Allentown Presbyterian Church, where he and his wife were married. He earned his pilot’s license and loved planes, flying and aviation. Jim loved people and enjoyed talking and sharing stories with others. He was also an avid reader and history buff.
Son of the late Joseph J. and Ruth Truncer, he was predeceased in 2021 by his wife of 63 years, Ramona Rue Truncer. Jim is survived by his children, Jim and Melissa Truncer of Newton, Massachusetts, and Rebecca and Kent Watkins of Cassatt, South Carolina; his grandchildren, Morgan Truncer, William Truncer and Seth Watkins; and his sister Judee Wales and her husband Tom Watson.
A private burial service was held at the Allentown Presbyterian Cemetery.
The article originally appeared in the March 9 – 15, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
