Obituary of James Christopher DeBlois

James DeBlois, 85, of Hamilton Square, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Serenity Hospice, Hamilton, NJ.

Born in Trenton, NJ, James was a resident of Hamilton Square for 60 years.  He proudly served his country with the United States Air Force.  James was a cash register repairman working with NCR for twenty years until he began working at his dream job at Chapin School in Princeton.  There he was a jack-of-all-trades working in maintenance, driving the children to different venues as their bus driver, and teaching a woodworking class.  As the woodworking teacher, Jim created, planned, and executed a multi-year project to build a replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer with middle school students. This project was so successful that the aircraft was featured on the Trenton Times front page exactly 100 years to the day after Wilbur and Orville took to the air at Kitty Hawk.  From there, the aircraft was donated to the Air Victory Museum with another fighter pilot plane Jim built with his dear friend John Immordino.  Jim also had his own business (Hamilton Cash Register) and serviced many local businesses including the Nottingham Tavern, Peter's Place, and The Hibernian Club among many others.  He was an accomplished and creative woodworker, well-known for the beautiful birdhouses and cigar box guitars he built. He made many toys that were enjoyed by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  His Halloween costumes were legendary, as were the many "whirlygigs" he built over the years. Jim's creativity held no bounds; he could build and repair anything. His interests were vast, and he loved to read.  He was a true "Renaissance Man".  He often used his skills in the service of others, helping family, friends, and neighbors maintain their homes or learn woodworking and repair skills. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim was active in his community, Rolling Acres (President) where he led up many activities for children and the famous Rolling Acres Civic Association Picnic as well as writing and printing the activity flyer.  He also enjoyed memberships at the local Hibernian Club and The Hamilton Elks.

Predeceased by his parents Elmer DeBlois and Martha and Walt Bailey, his sister and brother-in-law, Geraldine and Norman Blaner; he is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Geraldine DeBlois; his beloved children Jill Baker, and Bruce DeBlois (Rosanne); his grandchildren, Ashley Baker (Pete Gerrard), James Baker; Shane DeBlois and Macy DeBlois, two great grandsons Finn and Asher Gerrard.  His brothers Bill DeBlois (Rosemary), Chris DeBlois (Mary Ellen); his sisters, Mimi Czechura (John), Karen Neely (Rick), Maureen Phillips (Paul), and Michelle Tracy. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Carol Wilcox and his brother-in-law and best friend (David Wilcox), loving niece Vicki Eggert (Drew) and grand-niece, Jaclyn Eggert.

The visitation for James will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 10:00AM-12:00PM at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday afternoon at 12:00PM at the funeral home.

Interment will be held privately and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Serenity Hospice 56 Georgetown Rd, Bordentown, NJ 08505.