James Fred McCue Jr., age 73, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, Nov. 7, 2022, surrounded by his beloved family.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years Stephanie, their two children Chelsea McCue Harms (John Harms) and Peter B. McCue, his granddaughter Scarlett Harms, his sister Sarah “Sally” McCue Horwitz (Ralph Horwitz) and his brother Peter A. McCue (Elizabeth Miller). James “Big Jim” owned and operated Sergeantsville Grain and Feed in Sergeantsville, N.J., since 1981.
Jim was born to Esther Mastrobattista McCue and James Fred McCue Sr. on April 8, 1949 in Morristown, N.J. Jim grew up in Bernardsville, N.J., where he was known for his athletic prowess in wrestling and football. Jim was the 1967 heavyweight state champion in wrestling at Bernardsville High School his senior year, and received a scholarship to Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, Pa., for wrestling. Jim was later inducted into the Bernardsville High School athletic hall of fame.
At Bloomsburg, Jim’s wrestling record was 28-7-3 and he won the Pennsylvania State College Conference Championship, defeating the No. 5 wrestler in the country. He also won the Wilkes Open, clinching the NAIA All-American title. Jim went on to complete his master’s in education, but ultimately decided to go into the family business.
Jim worked at his family’s business, Somerset Grain & Feed, and soon thereafter purchased Sergeantsville Grain & Feed in 1981. With the help of his loyal and hardworking employees, Jim built a successful, service-oriented business that has served the community for four decades and continues to do so. Jim was happiest when working hard and being with his family, feed store family, friends and customers.
Jim was a staple of the community and would want the community to know that you all were equally as cherished to him. Jim served on the Delaware Township Committee and Planning Board and became the only person in New Jersey, at the time, to ever be elected to local office – mayor – by a write-in vote on the ballot.
Jim’s family and friends would describe him as generous, hardworking and fair. Jim didn’t take things too seriously and had a terrific sense of humor. He was effortlessly personable and had a big heart that was evident from the first moment you met him. The void he leaves behind for his family, friends and community is difficult to express. Thank you for being a part of Jim’s big, wonderful, well-lived life.
A memorial will be held in the new year with details to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, if so desired, contributions may be made to Doylestown Hospital IMU unit, Doylestown Hospital Hospice or any charity of choice.
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