James Robert Snyder, Sr.

James R. Snyder Sr., a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2026, at The Shores in Ocean City, surrounded by family and friends. Born on December 13, 1942, in Camden, NJ, James lived a life marked by dedication, service, and warmth. He was the beloved son of the late Carl R. Snyder and Clara D. Snyder (Mote) and was blessed with a loving stepmother, Mary Snyder. He was preceded in death by his dear sister, Carol Molineaux (Snyder), his first wife, Georgeanne Snyder (Kehoe), and his second wife, Doris Snyder (Sinclair), who shared his life until August 2026. James proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine from 1958 to 1963, including service in Vietnam. He continued his commitment to the armed forces through several years in the U.S. Navy Reserves, where he worked as a recruiter. His dedication to his country was paralleled by his professional career, where he spent approximately 40 years as a millwright, welder, and carpenter with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America out of Vineland, NJ. Prior to this, he spent a decade as a driving instructor at Flannel Driving School in Pleasantville, NJ. A man of faith, James was an active member of Grace Church in Ship Bottom, NJ, and The Shores UMC in Ocean City, NJ. Previously, he was a member of Saint Bernadette's Catholic Church in Northfield, NJ. His involvement in these communities reflected his deep commitment to his faith and his desire to serve others. James was known for his straightforward nature, always honest and sincere, yet kind and generous to those who reciprocated his respect. His love for the water was evident in his passion for fishing, crabbing, and boating in Manahawkin, NJ, a joy he shared with family from childhood. A cultivator at heart, he tended a small garden with care, growing both vegetables and flowers. He opened his heart and home to many, providing a summer place, meals, and boat slips to family and friends. His legacy of generosity and community involvement will be fondly remembered by those who knew him. James is survived by his children, James R. Snyder Jr. and wife Monica, and Denine A. Smith (Snyder) and husband Steven. He also leaves behind treasured grandchildren William J. Otto and wife Samantha, Melissa A. Jury (Otto) and husband Chris, Derek W. Otto and wife Katrina, Jammie Snyder, Hannah Runza (Beerhalter), and Matt Beerhalter. His stepchildren and caregivers, including Melany Carty (Decker) and husband Jaye, and David Decker, along with numerous step great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, hold his memory dear. James's legacy extends to his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Edward and Antoinette Bjorklund (Kehoe), who were cherished members of his extended family. A service to honor James's life will be held on November 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Godfrey Funeral Home, located at 644 S. Shore Rd., Marmora, NJ 08223. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Shores, the hospice care team, and the staff of Shore Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care of James in his final years. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests that memorial donations be made to a charity of choice in James's honor, continuing his legacy of generosity and kindness. James will be dearly missed but will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.