BY KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer
METUCHEN — In his 75 years, James A. Wallace, Jr., who passed away last week, wore many hats in the borough.
Most recently he was a borough councilman, having been elected to his first term in 2010.
“I have known Jim Wallace nearly my entire life,” said Mayor Peter Cammarano. “It was a true honor serving with him on the council. Jim was a true Metuchenite. He loved Metuchen and always wanted to serve the residents his entire adult life.”
Wallace passed away at his home, Nov. 7, with his wife, Veronika, by his side.
He was born in New Brunswick to the late James A. Sr. and Alice Wallace and was a lifelong Metuchen resident.
Wallace took great pride in serving the community of Metuchen with everything he did. He was a sitting two-term member of the Metuchen Borough Council starting in 2010.
“Councilman Wallace was a pillar of the Metuchen community,” said Jonathan Busch, chair of the Metuchen Democrats Organization. “He was an extraordinary public servant and his impact will continue to benefit our Borough and its residents for years to come.”
Throughout his 55 years of active membership on the Metuchen Fire Department, he had held almost every officer position, including Fire Chief from 1976 to 1978.
Wallace retired as a sergeant from the Metuchen Police Department after serving for 27 years from 1965 to 1992.
He served as the borough’s Office of Emergency Management director for 10 years, from 1994 to 2004.
Metuchen Fire Chief Rob Donnan said he has known Wallace for 30-plus years.
“I had the honor and privilege of serving with him on the Metuchen Fire Department,” he said adding that for those who did not know Wallace, he was the “most generous and giving” person.
Wallace had previously worked for the United States Postal Service from 1960 to 1965 and was the head of security for Mobil Chemical in Edison after his police career. Wallace also worked for Fire & Safety Services of South Plainfield.
He was honored and recognized for a multitude of awards and distinctions over his lifetime including an award recipient of both the Valor and Community Service Awards given by the Middlesex County 200 Club Blue Badge Association.
Wallace was a Life Member of the New Jersey State Fireman’s Association, long time treasurer to the Metuchen Firemen’s Relief Association and served as past President of the Middlesex County Fireman’s Association.
He was an instrumental part and a founding member in the creation of the Middlesex County Fire Academy, Sayreville, in 1992.
Wallace is predeceased by his brother Kenneth A. Wallace, who passed away in 2011.
He is survived by his wife Veronika (Sziveri) of Metuchen, three sons, George and his wife Jennifer of Monroe Township, James (Carole) of East Brunswick, and Ryan James of North Carolina, a step-son, Jason Miller, of South Amboy and a step-daughter, Melissa Amato and her husband Phillip of Hillsborough.
He is also survived by six grandchildren — James, Jacquelyn, Rachael, Trevor, Zachary and Logan, five great-grandchildren — Joseph, James, Savannah, Eva and Dylan, a sister, Edye Lou, and her husband, Colin of Trempealeau, Wisconsin, many nieces, nephews, other family members, including Michelle McGinn and Lesley Wallace, many friends, colleagues and his faithful companion Pearl.
Funeral services were held on Nov. 11 at the Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, followed by the interment at Hillside Cemetery of Metuchen.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Edison Animal Shelter, 125 Municipal Blvd, Edison, N.J. 08817.