Beloved Holmdel Crossing Guard Dies At 92

HOLMDEL, NJ - A longtime Holmdel crossing guard has died, local authorities said Friday.

James “Jim” Jones, 92, died Monday. A Holmdel resident since 1991, Jones served as a crossing guard at Indian Hill School from 2004 to 2022, per his obituary.

“Jim took pride in his responsibilities as a crossing guard, making sure every child was safe and every shift was covered, even if he could not be there himself,” Holmdel police said in a statement. “It was an honor having Jim as part of the community and the department. His kindness and dedication were admirable, and he will be missed.”

Several Holmdel residents offered their condolences on social media after the Friday announcement.

“He was such a treasure to my children and all Holmdel children,” one local wrote.

“He was truly the best,” another said.

Born in Manhattan in 1931, Jones wore many hats before coming to Holmdel: he began working from “an early age” at Schaefer Beer and General Electric before serving as a Metro-North Railroad conductor for 37 years before retiring. He and his wife Mary Ann lived in the Bronx, Astoria, Flushing and Middletown before settling in Holmdel.

“James was a handyman around the house and an all around man's man,” his obituary reads. “His proudest achievement was his family.”

Jones is survived by his wife, three children, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Jones’ funeral was held Friday at 10 a.m. at Holmdel Funeral Home.