John Schuyler Huff, 86, formerly of Cranbury, died Wednesday, Aug. 18, at Chandler Hall in Newtown, Pa.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Jan. 11, 1918, he was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, flying 30 combat missions in the European Theater as navigator of a B-17 (Flying Fortress) in the 447th Bomber Group of the 8th Air Force. In recognition of his exceptional service, he was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Presidential Citation, the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with two battle stars. In 2001, he was awarded the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal.
After the war, he graduated summa cum laude from Rutgers University Law School. In 1951 he moved with his expanding family to Cranbury, and began practicing law in New Brunswick. In 1974 he and his partner, William C. Moran, moved their law office to Cranbury, eventually taking on a third partner, David E. Orron.
He served as township attorney for Monroe and South Brunswick and, for 29 years, for Cranbury. He was attorney for the Monroe Township Utilities Authority and for the Marlboro Township Utilities Authority.
He was also a director of the First National Bank and later a director of Midlantic National Bank, both in Cranbury. He was a lifelong member of the Cranbury Lions Club, a member of Apollo Lodge 41, F&AM, of Hightstown, a member of the Cranbury Historical Society, and an honorary member of the Cranbury First Aid Squad.
He was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was master of the practical joke. His zest for life was evident in his many interests. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury, and in his later years served as an elder. An avid sailor, he enjoyed nothing better than a summer’s day on his boat, by himself or with family and friends. For over 30 years, he flew his own plane, a Beechcraft Bonanza, and in it he and his wife, Jane, who was also a pilot, flew all over North America. In 1978 they outfitted the single-engine plane with tip tanks and flew to Europe. Jack continued to fly until he was 80 years old.
He was the beloved husband of Jane Zingg Huff. He is survived by his children, Bobbie Jean Smith and husband, Tony, of Perth, Ontario, Cameron and wife, Alex, Huff-Ramos of Boca Raton, Fla., Amanda Bindig and husband, Charles, of Hamilton, Angela of Three Oaks, Mich., and Jessica Lim and husband, Lee, of Irvington, N.Y.; grandchildren, Jesse, Abel, Zachery, Tobias, Story, James, Hannah, Sarah, Schuyler, Maxine and Archer; great-grandchildren, Jada and Jack; and his sister, Doris of Jupiter, Fla.
A funeral service was held Sunday, Aug. 22, at the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury, 22 S. Main St., Cranbury. Burial with military honors followed in Brainerd Cemetery, Cranbury. Memorial contributions in Jack’s name to the Cranbury First Aid Squad, 68 Maplewood Ave., Cranbury, N.J. 08512, or to First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury, 22 S. Main St., Cranbury, N.J. 08512, would be appreciated by the family.
