James N. Demgard, 79, of Brick, NJ passed away peacefully on Monday, January 18, 2016 at home surrounded by his family. Mr. Demgard retired in 1999 as president of the Telephone Workers Union, IBEW Local 827, East Windsor. He was a dedicated member of the union since 1971. He served his country as a member of the US National Guard. Mr. Demgard was a Boy Scout leader and was a School #5 scout master. He was a coach for many of his son’s baseball teams and enjoyed golf as well as traveling with his wife. He was an avid reader, and loved woodworking, painting and crafts.

Born in Newark, he lived in Belleville and Wall Twp. before moving to Brick in 2009.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Elizabeth Demgard. Surviving are his loving wife of 56 years, Eileen (Gelshen) Demgard; son, James M. and his wife, Kerry of Nutley; four daughters, Laurie A. Pelphrey of Howell, Linda J. Thomas and her husband, the late Gus Thomas of Freehold, Nancy L. Hulley and her husband, Joe of Howell and Beth Demgard of Morristown; brother, Thomas Demgard of New Hampshire; former sister-in-law, Maureen Demgard also of New Hampshire; eight grandchildren, Thomas, Robert and his wife, Lauren, Alexandra and her husband, Dave, Meghan, Stephanie, Courtney, Ryan and Molly; as well as a great granddaughter, Leah.

Visiting will be today from 4-8pm at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 505 Burnt Tavern Road, Brick. The service will be held on Thursday at 11am in the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Atlantic View Cemetery, Manasquan. Donations may be made in his name to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation. For more information please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com.