Obituary of James Latham

Latham, James H. Jr., age 83 of Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, passed away on December 12th with his family at his side after a long and fulfilling life during which he gave tremendous love to his family and dedication to his community. Born in the Bronx, NY, raised in Paramus, NJ, Jim ultimately resided in Ho-Ho-Kus for 54 years. A graduate of Hackensack High School and Lehigh University, Jim rose through the executive ranks of Public Service Electric and Gas Company over the course of a distinguished 34-year career. Even after retiring from PSE&G, Jim remained active, continuing to use his expertise in large-scale, utility construction contracts to consult for major electric utilities and construction companies. A military veteran who served in the Army from 1953-1955, Jim was a proud member and past Commander of The American Legion Post in Waldwick, NJ, a member of the VFW Post in Ho-Ho-Kus, and The American Legion Post in Seminole, FL. An active participant in his community, over the years Jim also served as Regional Vice President of the Lehigh Alumni Association and gave his time to the Boy Scouts of America, Little League baseball and youth soccer teams, and the Waldwick Concert Band. Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan (nee Joy) Latham; his children: Kathleen Yenco and her husband Ernest of Glen Rock, NJ; Laurie Holt and her husband Jack of Mendham, NJ; Susan Latham of Miami, FL; James H. Latham VI and his wife Elan of Bethlehem, PA; and Christopher Latham of Mahwah, NJ; and by his 8 grandchildren: Jamie Payton; Kaitlyn Yenco; Kristie Latham; Kelsey Yenco; Kelly Holt; Megan Holt; Bethany Latham; and Jack Holt; and his great granddaughter, Skylar Payton —who will all miss him and cherish his memory forever. Visiting will be Monday 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday at 10 am at St. Bartholomew's Church, 70 Sheridan Ave. Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ. Interment will be at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations to the either The American Legion (http://www.legion.org) or the American Brain Tumor Association would be appreciated, and a Care Campaign donation page has been established in his honor at http://www.abta.org