James (Jim) Townsend Cheney, Jr., son of James Townsend Cheney, Sr., and Theodora S. "Teddy" Cheney, passed away on Saturday the 18th of November. He was born in Salem County, New Jersey, on September 1st, 1946. He is survived by his wife, Ruthellen Bacon Cheney, his sister, Bobbe Cheney LeHew, his four children, Garwood, Emily, Ben, and Ellen, and four grandchildren.
Jim was educated at Penns Grove Carneys Point, where he met his best friends of 70 years, Jim Smith, Jon Hawkinson, and Tommy Tonden. Jim received his BA in history from Richmond University and his masters from Glassboro State, now Rowan University. In 1969, he became an educator and taught history at the Penns Grove Carneys Point Middle School for 34 years.
Always passionate about physical fitness, he was a track and cross-country coach, and then, a track official for many years. He won many accolades for his accomplishments in coaching, including getting inducted into the South Jersey Coaching Hall of Fame.
Despite his many honors over the years, his proudest achievement was his family. His eldest son Garwood followed in his footsteps and became a teacher. His daughters Emily and Ellen are always pursuing their passion in performing and singing. Ben, an Eagle Scout like his father, continues to embody those values by always lending a hand to anyone in need.
Ruthellen, the love of his life, was there beside him in good and bad, especially during his decline over the past few years. Her love, care, and dedication were his greatest comfort during his fierce and heroic battle against Parkinson’s disease.
Jim was loved by everyone (and every dog) who ever met him, and his family is comforted in knowing that he is no longer in pain and is reunited with his beloved parents who he’s finally able to hug with both arms.
He leaves behind a loving family, including his wife Ruthellen, their son Garwood Bacon, his wife Lori and their children Penelope, Garwood, and Vivian, as well as his daughter Emily Cheney, her husband Scott Cooney and their son Lucas, also his son Ben Cheney and his girlfriend Debbie Schlumpf, and by his daughter Ellen Cheney and her boyfriend Matthew Melchiorre. He is also survived by his sister Bobbe Cheney LeHew, her husband Greg LeHew, their sons Greg LeHew, Jr. and Samuel LeHew and their families.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 28th at Trinity United Methodist Church, 284 Cedar Rd, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062. 10am to 1pm will be the receiving line to pay respects and 1pm to 2pm will be the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation in Jim’s honor.
Service livestream link: https://youtube.com/live/qWP75va3jD8?feature=share
Jim was educated at Penns Grove Carneys Point, where he met his best friends of 70 years, Jim Smith, Jon Hawkinson, and Tommy Tonden. Jim received his BA in history from Richmond University and his masters from Glassboro State, now Rowan University. In 1969, he became an educator and taught history at the Penns Grove Carneys Point Middle School for 34 years.
Always passionate about physical fitness, he was a track and cross-country coach, and then, a track official for many years. He won many accolades for his accomplishments in coaching, including getting inducted into the South Jersey Coaching Hall of Fame.
Despite his many honors over the years, his proudest achievement was his family. His eldest son Garwood followed in his footsteps and became a teacher. His daughters Emily and Ellen are always pursuing their passion in performing and singing. Ben, an Eagle Scout like his father, continues to embody those values by always lending a hand to anyone in need.
Ruthellen, the love of his life, was there beside him in good and bad, especially during his decline over the past few years. Her love, care, and dedication were his greatest comfort during his fierce and heroic battle against Parkinson’s disease.
Jim was loved by everyone (and every dog) who ever met him, and his family is comforted in knowing that he is no longer in pain and is reunited with his beloved parents who he’s finally able to hug with both arms.
He leaves behind a loving family, including his wife Ruthellen, their son Garwood Bacon, his wife Lori and their children Penelope, Garwood, and Vivian, as well as his daughter Emily Cheney, her husband Scott Cooney and their son Lucas, also his son Ben Cheney and his girlfriend Debbie Schlumpf, and by his daughter Ellen Cheney and her boyfriend Matthew Melchiorre. He is also survived by his sister Bobbe Cheney LeHew, her husband Greg LeHew, their sons Greg LeHew, Jr. and Samuel LeHew and their families.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 28th at Trinity United Methodist Church, 284 Cedar Rd, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062. 10am to 1pm will be the receiving line to pay respects and 1pm to 2pm will be the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation in Jim’s honor.
Service livestream link: https://youtube.com/live/qWP75va3jD8?feature=share
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