Obituary of James F Byrne

James F. Byrne passed away with his family by his side on February 3, 2024. He was 63 years old.

Born in Plainfield, NJ, to parents Robert D. and Valda (nee Appolloni) Byrne, James was raised in Basking Ridge, NJ, where he attended and graduated from Basking Ridge High School before going on to receive his Associate Degree from Raritan Valley Community College. He settled in Hampton, NJ, with his family in 1985 and has been a resident ever since.

James began his career in 1981 with Bell Labs in Chester, working on telephone lines until Lucent took over and he shifted his focus to wireless services. He continued his work with Nokia, where he was a test engineer and the Manager of Quality Assurance. 

James was very active in his community, serving as the President of both the Hampton Recreation Department and the Hampton Planning Board. He was a man with an impressive green thumb, a trait passed down from his father, and was known for his bountiful garden, especially his figs and his blueberries. He enjoyed fishing in any body of water he could find – oceans, lakes, and rivers – a hobby he shared with his son. His love for the outdoors extended to his annual camping trips with his family to Knoebels Amusement Resort in Pennsylvania and the yearly camping and fishing trips he took with his friends. James was a NASCAR fan, and a lifelong hockey fan and player, growing up with the sport and eventually competing in the 1996 Canadian-American Tournament. As he settled down and began his family, he put down his hockey stick and was happy to cheer for his favorite team, the New Jersey Devils, from the stands. James had many titles, but above all else, he was most importantly the best husband, “pop,” son, brother, and friend.

James is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Ann Marie Byrne of Hampton, NJ, son Joseph (Heather) Byrne of Pittstown, NJ, daughters Kathleen Byrne of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, Kellie Byrne of Springhill, FL, brother William (Kathryn) Byrne, brother-in-law Lawrence Mattei, nieces Joelle Byrne and Abby (Art) Staley, nephew Robert Mattei, grandchildren Lilyanna and Liam Byrne, lifelong friends Mark and Diane Heitmann, and many friends. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Robert Byrne, and his sister Colleen Mattei. He will be missed by all.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, please check back for details. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hunterdon County Parks where he was engaged to his beloved and where he spent so much time fishing.  

Hunterdon County Parks & Recreation

PO Box 2900

Flemington, NJ 08822