Obituary of James George Maher, III

James G. Maher III, age 85, of High Bridge, NJ, died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, following a long illness.

Jim was born in New Brunswick, NJ, to parents, James G. and Marjorie (nee Thickstun) Maher. He spent his childhood in East Millstone, NJ, on the family farm settled by his great-grandparents, Edward and Honora Meagher of Tipperary, Ireland. He assisted in the family business, Maher Funeral Home, New Brunswick, NJ, before becoming employed by Somerset County. He retired as the County Superintendent of Weights and Measures in 2010 after 49 years of service.

In 1974, he married the love of his life, Gayle, and together they raised three sons, James, David, and Brian. Jim’s love of photography and the outdoors led to many family camping adventures throughout the American West and into New England. These trips usually included horseback riding and steam train trips through the beautiful countryside. His gift for storytelling was a highlight at family gatherings, where he entertained with tales of childhood antics and the interesting people he met along the way. He loved classic cars and enjoyed traveling in his VW Bus. He and Gayle made yearly trips along the Maine coast, which resulted in amazing photographs that the family will continue to cherish. For years, he took action shots of the High Bridge soccer teams and generously shared them with the players.

He loved music, especially Willie Nelson, and was a joy to be around. He already is greatly missed. He is predeceased by his sisters, Carol Maher and Judith Kirkman, and his brother, Richard Maher.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Gayle; his sons James of High Bridge; David (Katie) of Carlisle, PA; and Brian (Andrea) of Belle Mead, NJ. He was fiercely proud of his sons, giving them the freedom and support they needed to become the men they are today and was overjoyed to welcome his grandchildren, George, Henry, and Órla. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Hutcheson Memorial Forest Center (Mettlar’s Woods), 2150 Amwell Road, Somerset, NJ, one of the last uncut forests in the Mid-Atlantic, where, as a youth, Jim spent countless hours on his horse, Roger. Please Click Here to Donate

At Jim’s request, arrangements will be private. Interment will be in the Maher Family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery in New Brunswick, NJ. Arrangements are under the care of Martin Funeral Home, Clinton, NJ. To share memories with the family, please visit www.martinfh.com