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James T. Musick (April 14, 1942-May 16, 2018)

On Wednesday, May 16th, through a slow evening rain, we said our final goodbye to a man that was larger than life itself. James Thomas Musick, known as “Big Jim, Big Daddy, and Bear” to friends and “Pop” to family, was called home to God after losing his battle with congestive heart failure. Passing peacefully among family, we remember him in health. We remember him for the path he paved for our family and the legacy he so selflessly left behind ... the story we will tell generations to come.

At 18 years old, Jim enlisted in the Army where he was stationed first in Korea and then in Boston. After two years serving his country, he came home to Cramer Hill in 1962. Reconnecting with old friends, Jim became fond of his friend’s younger sister, Karen, that he had known from his school days.

The pair began dating and quickly fell in love—the kind of love that would last almost 55 years and thawed even the coldest of hearts. They married on July 6, 1963 and started their life with just $500 and a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

An honest man who knew the meaning of a hard day’s work, Jim and Karen built a life together in Oak Valley where they lived for 26 years. Raising three beautiful children—Scott, Christy, and Michael—the family spent summers at their seasonal home in Kennedyville, M.D. Avid boaters, their family frequented the Chesapeake Bay where Jim served as captain—the wind blowing his dark hair while stationed behind the helm, tattooed skin tanning beneath the summer’s sun and smiles on his family’s faces; the scene that was pure bliss to him.

As their children began starting their own families, Jim and Karen packed up the Harley and saw as much of the country as they could. Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee, Colorado, the Rocky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Canada, and even Nova Scotia were locations the pair visited atop two wheels. Other trips included much of the sunshine state, the Shenandoah Valley, Ireland, a Disney cruise and a cruise to Bermuda.

As a family, we are blessed to have learned many life lessons from Jim. A man embodying wisdom through experience, Jim instructed his children and grandchildren alike to “never forget where you came from.” As someone that left such a deep mark on those he encountered throughout his life, it would be impossible to forget such a prominent leader and force of strength and unwavering love in our family.

We celebrate Jim for everything that he was: a brother, son, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, friend, mentor, idol. We remember him as a man of powerful words, strong hands, with a free-spirit and loving demeanor. We cherish every memory from the beginning to the end. We know he is no longer suffering, making new friends and catching up with old ones, surrounded by passed family, riding his Harley once again.

Until we meet again, rest easy Pop.
​
~~~

Jim is survived by his wife Karen Musick (Shaw), brother Charles Musick, son Scott Musick, daughter-in-law Oceanna Musick (Kapule), daughter Christy Mroz (Musick), son-in-law Robert Mroz, son Michael Musick, daughter-in-law Michele Musick (Coombe), goddaughter Raquel Robertson (Musick), multiple nieces and nephews, and seven grandchildren: Cody, Brianna, Kaytlyn, Jesse, Tony, Michael, and Natalie. Jim was predeceased by his brother Floyd H. Musick.

Family and Friends are invited to celebrate Jim's life from 9 AM to 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 2nd at Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Mantua where a memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Gloucester County Memorial Cemetery in Monroe Twp., NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Richwood United Methodist Church, PO Box 7, Richwood, NJ 08074. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com