Obituary of James J. Persinko

James J. Persinko, age 61, of High Bridge, NJ died Monday, August 13, 2012 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. James Persinko was born July 20, 1951 in Somerville, NJ. He was the son of the late Michael and the late Blanche (Nawracaj) Persinko. James attended Bridgewater East High School, graduating in 1969. He played football in the fall, track and field in the spring. His lifelong fascination with scuba began in the chill waters off the Atlantic coast, where he dove while earning his bachelor degree in marine biology at the University of Rhode Island. After graduating, James joined the Peace Corps in 1973, choosing to serve in the tropical nation Malaysia. While working at a small hospital up the Baram River, he fell in love with a nurse, Roselee, who was to be his wife and lifelong companion. After marrying in 1975, the two traveled back to the United States, living for a time in Somerset County, moving later to Hunterdon. James and Roselee had two children, Timothy and Valerie, who they drove across America on epic weeks-long summer vacations. An avid hiker, James climbed enough peaks to join the Catskill 3500 Club. Professionally, James began working as a medical technologist in 1978, working his way up the ranks to become operations manager of the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. He played an instrumental role in the lab's automation project, and counted many of the staff there as great friends. James was active in the High Bridge community, serving for several years as the chair of the Board of Health, as an assistant scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop 149, and leading a support group for bereaved parents whose children have passed away. Although James was highly organized, he was also very adventurous. He traveled to the ocean floor and mountain top, bringing his friends and family along with him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Roselee, his son, Timothy Persinko, his daughter-in-law, Corey and his brother, Mark Persinko. He was pre-deceased by his daughter, Valerie in 2000. James' life celebration includes visitation on Friday, August 17th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 9:00 pm at Martin Funeral Home, 1761 Route 31, Clinton, NJ. There will be a funeral service on Saturday, August 18th at 10:30 am, also at the Funeral Home. The interment will immediately follow at the Mountain View Cemetery in Clinton Twp., NJ. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation towards the preservation of coral reefs with the Coral Reef Network, at Coral.org.