James W. Kelleher Jr.

James William Kelleher, Jr., of Southampton, passed suddenly on Sunday, March 25, 2018. He was surrounded at by loved ones. Jim, 69, was the beloved husband of Eileen Kelleher (Daley), who predeceased him in 2001, the loving father of Scott Kelleher (Melissa) of Marlton and Neil Kelleher (Kate) of Cherry Hill. Cherished grandfather of Colin, Mason, Finley and Sloane, he was predeceased by his parents, Mary (Walker) and James Kelleher, Sr. and his brother, William Kelleher, who died as a child. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Diane Muller (Bill); niece Jaclyn Aftanis (Joe); nephew, Justin Muller; aunt, Dorothy Walker; cousins and his companion of 12 years, Elise Morgan. Jim, a pipe designer, had an enormous heart and boundless spirit. He treated strangers like friends and friends like family. He adored his family, sons and grandchildren with limitless energy. He coached his sons during their younger years and attended countless sports games and academic events with his grandchildren. Many who were coached by Jim over the years felt his deep and positive impact on their characters and spirits. Tributes written by his players since his untimely death noted his role as second father in their lives and emphasized how much Jim will be missed. Jim was an avid tennis player who loved HO trains and sharing his Christmas village displays with those close to him. He worked as a security guard for the Phillies and was thrilled that he would be paid to perform his dream job. In addition to the Phillies and Villanova basketball, Jim loved the Eagles and got his first and only tattoo when they won the Super Bowl in February. About the 41-33 victory over the Patriots, Jim said he was “living the dream.” Born in Camden, NJ on July 3, 1948, Jim grew up in Fairview and Woodbury, NJ. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1975. He will be remembered for his kindness, zeal for life and unending sense of humor. The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind. Services will be held at Perinchief Chapels, 438 High Street, Mt. Holly, NJ, 08060, Friday, April 6 at 12 PM. Relatives and friends may visit the family from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Brig. Gen. Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Arneytown. For those who wish to make a gift in his memory, the family suggests The American Heart Association or Marlton Baseball, c/o the Marlton Recreation Council.

James W. Kelleher Jr.

July 3, 1948 - March 25, 2018