Obituary of James W Gentles, Jr.

James Wallace Gentles, Jr., 93, former Accountant and Purple Heart Recipient

James Wallace Gentles Jr. of Basking Ridge, formerly of Bernardsville, passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at Fellowship Village at the age of 93. Jim was born February 1, 1925 in Brooklyn, NY and moved to Westfield at an early age. He attended Westfield schools, became an Eagle Scout, and following graduation from high school in 1943, he joined the U. S. Army during World War II. He was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Purple Heart. After the war, he attended Lehigh University, graduating with a B. S. degree, and received an M.B.A degree from Rutgers University in 1953. He became a Certified Public Accountant and retired as a Senior Manager at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co.

Throughout his life, Jim was an active volunteer for the Boy Scouts, the Y.M.C.A and the Visiting Nurse Association. He enjoyed jazz music, travel and talking politics with his friends.

Jim was predeceased by his wife Carolyn Huntley Gentles and his son James Wallace Gentles, III. He is survived by his two sisters Louise (Molke) of Audubon, PA and Margaret (MacCowatt) of Morristown, and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the Bishop Janes United Methodist Church, Basking Ridge. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Bishop Janes United Methodist Church 22 South Finley Ave., Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, www.bjumc.org. For further information, or to light an online condolence candle please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com