James H. “Jim” David passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, at the age of 86.

Born in New York City, to James and Bridget (Miller) David, Jim grew up in the Inwood section of Manhattan and graduated from Stuyvesant High School before earning a degree in Accounting from the City College of New York.

Jim spent his career as a C.P.A. and retired in 1999 as a Senior Partner at Ernst & Young.

A man of faith, service, and quiet integrity, Jim spent the past 34 years in Gladstone, New Jersey, where he was a longtime member of Peapack Reformed Church and served for many years as treasurer. Jim was always the first to ask, “How can I help?” and was known for his dependability, generosity, and willingness to lend a hand wherever it was needed. Whether through his church, local charities, or simple acts of kindness, Jim never simply talked about service to others—he walked the walk.

After retirement, Jim devoted his time to the things he loved most. An avid reader, Jim began each day reading Scripture followed by the New York Times, reading it cover to cover and completing the crossword puzzle every day—even on Sundays. His reading interests were wide-ranging and included spy novels, classic literature, history, and current events. He also enjoyed daily walks with his dogs, golfing, jigsaw puzzles and photography. He and his wife, Barbara, cherished their time at their beach home in Stone Harbor and the many memories they made there with family and friends. Above all, his greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. Jim often said that of all the titles he held throughout his life, his favorite was simply being called “Grandpa.”

Jim is survived by his beloved Barbara, with whom he shared the happiest years of his life and a 40 year marriage he considered his greatest blessing; his daughter, Cathy David Buley; his son, Chip David (Sue); his daughter Michelle Jack (Tommy) and his grandchildren, Jillian, James III, Olivia, and Thomas James.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Mary, Billy, Bobby, and Ricky; his son-in-law, Jack Buley; and Fred, his devoted Springer Spaniel who was Jim’s constant companion for many years.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 10, from 4 to 7 PM at the Bailey Funeral Home, 176 Main Street, Peapack. A memorial service will take place on Thursday, June 11, at 11 AM, at the Peapack Reformed Church, 224 Main Street, Gladstone. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, Doctors Without Borders, or the Lurie Autism Institute at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.