James Ernest Gale (94) of Weymouth, passed away on March 23, 2024, peacefully of old age with his loved ones by his side.

James was born on November 23, 1929, to James and Pauline Gale at the Harbor House in Egg Harbor City. When he was three years old, he moved to Weymouth when his parents established Gale’s Log Cabin where he lived until his death. While James was at Pleasantville High School, he joined the Naval Reserve, went on to build Gale’s Garage on Black Horse Pike, married his first wife, Helen (Ashe), and had his first son, James (deceased). Following the war, he was called up to active duty in the US Navy and spent time in the Mediterranean.

After his time in the service, he returned to Weymouth and Gale’s Garage. Shortly after, he met Virginia, and they were married in 1953. James and Virginia went on to have three children, Edward Fountain Gale, Barbara Gale Burke, and William James Gale. James was a staple in the community from that point forward, becoming extremely active with Weymouth Volunteer Ambulance Squad, helping to create the 4H Fairgrounds, serving as a trustee with the Weymouth Methodist Church, and as superintendent for the Cemetery located at the church. He was a C-18 Truck and Tractor Operator for the Forest Fire Service and was Charter member for the Weymouth Volunteer Fire Company. James was also a member of the Navy Cruisers, the U.S. Navy Sailors Association, Carrier Battle Group.

At Oakcrest High School James was head mechanic and maintained all the vehicles, which included as many as 62 buses at one time. Jim simultaneously ran the Garage and facilitated towing services, both long distance and local, and a local bar, Gale’s Log Cabin with his then wife, Virginia. Gale’s Log Cabin became a family gathering place with many firsts in the neighborhood (first phone, TV, and radio). When he was still working, he became a founding member of Tuckerton Seaport and the New Jersey Lighthouse Society, then he became a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

After his retirement from Oakcrest, James spent many happy days fishing in the Delaware Bay, continued to stay active with the church, including advocating for and supporting the addition to the Weymouth Methodist Church, traveling, and tinkering with one of his passions, antique cars.

James was predeceased by his parents James and Pauline, his uncle Billy Haas, his first son Jimmy, his great grandson Jacob, and his son-in-law John Burke.

James is survived by his first son Jimmy’s wife (Lynne Basner Gale), their three children, Jessica Walker, Dylan Gale (Bree), and Brian Basner (Beather), and great-grandchild Olivia Walker. He is also survived by his three children, Edward, Barbara and William (Bill). Edward’s son Junior has four children, Jim’s great grandchildren, Jacob, Nicholas, Emmaleigh, and Leah. He is also survived by Barbara and John’s children, John (Anastasia Burke), Steve, Katie (Mike Burdman), and Jimmy (Tara Champagne), and their new daughter, James’ great granddaughter, Lily.

James’ youngest son, Bill (Marjorie), has two children, Alexandra and Ethan. James is also survived by Virginia Gale, his children’s mom and friend, and Judy Davenport, his fishing buddy and companion.

Family and friends may gather at Boakes Funeral Home, 6050 Main Street, Mays Landing, NJ, on April 6th from 2-4pm, with a service at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Greater Egg Harbor Watershed Association, an organization James felt strongly about due to living on the river his entire life. Here is the link for donations: www.gehwa.org