Monmouth County Park System Director That Served For 58 Years Passes

February 21, 2023

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Monmouth County Park System Director James ‘Jim’ J. Truncer, 86, of Allentown, NJ. passed away at home on Sunday. He was a US Airforce veteran that served during the Vietnam Era, Jim earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University, where he studied Natural Resources Management and has worked for the Monmouth County Park System for over 58 years, a career that he loved.

The following is a statement from the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners:

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James ‘Jim’ J. Truncer. Jim began his tenure with Monmouth County as a volunteer on the Board of Recreation Commissioners before becoming a park planner with the Planning Board in 1964 and then became the Park System Director in 1965, a position he had been serving in for 58 years, until his passing.

Under Jim’s thoughtful guidance, the Park System expanded from 350 acres on three parks to more than 18,000 acres of park land, which includes 37 parks, six golf courses and 148 miles of trails.

Jim was a true visionary and respected leader. We will always remember Jim’s tireless dedication to the Park System and the people of Monmouth County as his legacy.

While we mourn the loss of a great man, we celebrate Jim’s life and thank him for the incredible impact he has had on the Monmouth County Park System, the County as a whole and every single individual that was fortunate enough to work with him.”

James J. Truncer, 86, of Allentown, passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family. Born in Woodbury, NJ, he grew up in the Princeton area before moving to Upper Freehold Twp. in 1952. A US Airforce veteran serving during the Vietnam Era, Jim earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University, where he studied Natural Resources Management and has worked for the Monmouth County Park System for over 58 years, a career that he loved.

Jim and his wife Ramona, raised their family in Holmdel, later moving back to Allentown 23 years ago. He was a longtime member of the Allentown Presbyterian Church, where he and his wife were married. He earned his pilot’s license and loved planes, flying, and aviation. Jim loved people and enjoyed talking and sharing stories with others. He was also an avid reader and history buff.

Son of the late Joseph J. and Ruth Truncer, he was predeceased in 2021 by his wife of 63 years, Ramona Rue Truncer. Jim is survived by his children, Jim and Melissa Truncer of Newton, MA, and Rebecca and Kent Watkins of Cassatt, SC; his grandchildren, Morgan Truncer, William Truncer, and Seth Watkins, and his sister, Judee Wales and her husband, Tom Watson.

A private burial service was held at the Allentown Presbyterian Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to Friends of the Parks at P.O. Box 686, Lincroft, NJ 07738-0686 or at www.friendsofmonmouthcountyparks.com

Arrangements under the direction of Peppler Funeral Home, Allentown.