Obituary of James W. Milton

James William Milton, age 84, of Summit, NJ and North Palm Beach, FL passed away peacefully on May 8 after a brief illness. Jim, as he was known to family and friends, was predeceased by his beloved wife Mary Jane. He was loving father to Jim, Dennis (Margaret), Dan (Molly), and Sean and nine grandchildren - Haley, Jack, Margot, Patrick, Brendan, Rowan, James, Eve and Jasper.  Jim and Mary Jane raised their family in Short Hills, NJ.

Born in Brooklyn in 1939, Jim was raised by his parents George and Margaret in Manhasset, and later Sands Point, NY, along with his 3 brothers George, Patrick, and Michael. He attended St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset and later graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Notre Dame in 1961.  After graduation, Jim went to work for the family business, Milton Can Company in Brooklyn. The company later relocated to Elizabeth, NJ, where he continued thru the executive ranks until becoming President in 1982.  After Milton Can was sold in 1998, Jim became Executive Vice President and Director for BWAY, Inc. Jim retired from the can business after a long-distinguished career in 2005. He also served on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company and the New Jersey Business and Industry Association for several decades.  Jim greatly believed in community and public service.  He was elected to the Millburn Township Committee, and later served on the Millburn Planning Board.

 Jim will be remembered for his dedication to his family, perseverance, and sense of humor. He overcame throat cancer while in his forties and lung cancer in the past few years. While he had to take extra steps to prepare himself for each day, it never slowed him down or discouraged him. He also lost the love of his life Mary Jane in 2013. 

Jim was an avid reader, loved to travel, and enjoyed many summers at the family house in Cutchogue, NY. His most cherished times were spent with his grandchildren from their young age and as they reached young adulthood. 

A wake has been planned at The Jacob Holle Funeral Home in Maplewood on Monday, May 20^th  from 2-4pm, 7-9pm.  The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church in Short Hills on May 21^st at 10am. Interment to follow at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers donations to Ovarian Cancer Research %Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box 5028, Hagerstown MD 21849 would be appreciated.

A celebration of his life will be held later in the year in North Palm Beach.