James J. Brennan

April 6, 1939 - February 6, 2022
James J. Brennan

Gifts & Memorial Donations



The world has lost another one of its “good guys”. James “Jim” Brennan passed from this world
surrounded by love on February 6, 2022.
Jim started his life in 1939 in the small, seaside town of South Amboy New Jersey, where he lived with
his mother, Natalie (Reese), his father Joseph and his two younger siblings Ann and Bill. He took on the
role of “man of the house” at only 9 years old when his father unexpectedly died after battling
Tuberculosis. Jim continued in school while working side jobs to support the family. During that time, he
formed a very close bond with his maternal grandfather Irving Reece. Irving provided Jim with love,
guidance and an endearing male mentorship that would shape the man he would become. He
graduated from South Amboy High School in 1957 and one year later married his high school sweetheart
and love of his life, Carol (Meinzer). Jim was drafted into the US Army in 1959 and was soon shipped out
to Korea to patrol the DMZ. He returned home and was honorably discharged in December 1960 and
subsequently met and held his 8-month-old son James William for the first time. He quickly went to
work and began his lifelong career as a Draftsman/Engineer. In October 1962, Jim and Carol lovingly
welcomed their second child into the world, Tracy Ann. The family of four remained in South Amboy for
17 years until moving to Metuchen, N.J. where they purchased/renovated a post-revolutionary war
home built in 1789. Jim continued to advance in his career as a Senior Pharmaceutical Engineer working
for many of the world’s largest companies like Merck and Pfizer. He eventually ended his career at
NY/NJ Port Authority as Project Engineer. He was there during the 9/11 attack on World Trade Center
watching it all unfold from his office directly across the Hudson River in Jersey City. Jim, along with Carol,
were both gifted artisans and spent much of their free time painting, building and creating to enhance
their home. They also enjoyed traveling and exploring the world together. From NYC to the Jersey Shore.
From Mexico (Cozumel, Cancún, Tulum) to Canada (Montreal, Quebec, Toronto). From the Caribbean to
Europe (Ireland, Wales, England, Italy, Spain, and Portugal). In 2003, Jim retired from work life and with
Carol, settled into retirement life in New Port Richey, Florida. They both lived a peaceful, happy life
together enjoying the warm Florida sun and the joyful times tending to their 2 grandsons, Colin Brennan
and Jack Warfield. Jim and Carol lived a full and incredibly loving life, taking on life’s occasional
challenges and enjoying the many more delights, hand-in-hand until Carol’s passing 2017. While
sorrowfully missing his wife every day after, Jim lived the next 4 years with his grandson Colin, learning,
supporting and bonding with each other just as Jim had done with his grandfather many decades prior.Jim is predeceased by his wife, Carol Ann Brennan, and his brother William J. Brennan. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Robert Borbely. His sister-in-law Cathy Brennan. His bother/sister in-law Chester and Judy Meinzer. His son and daughter-in law, James and Sandra Brennan. His daughter and son in-law, Tracy and Paul Schirmer. His grandsons, Colin James Brennan and Jack Warfield. His in-law grandchildren, Caitlin Schirmer, Patrick Schirmer and Conor Schirmer. Dear cousins Mary Lou and Paul LoVecchio. Dozens of loving nieces and nephews. Plus a caring friend, Monique Noujaim.

In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to make a donation in his name to the American Cancer Society.


Purchase Flowers


Subscribe to this Obituary

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • February 18, 2022
    Chet Meinzer says:
    You have been a mentor to me in so many ways. I thank you for sharing an abundance of love with my sister Carol Anne. May you both be together in eternity! Chet & Judy

  • March 18, 2022
    Ann Borbely lit a candle:
    Lit since March 18, 2022 at 3:03:06 PM