James J. Cruise Jr.

James J. Cruise Jr., 87, of Huntington Station, NY entered God’s Light on December 9, 2023. He was born in Queens, NY on May 13, 1936. He is survived by his beloved wife, Genevieve (Jean) of almost 60 years. He was a devoted father to James (Linda), Judith Gianforcaro (Gregory), Juliana Sumner (Christopher), and John (Lanie). Known as “Old Granddad”, he was adored by his 12 grandchildren Brendan and Brigid Cruise, Kathryn, Gregory, and Eric Gianforcaro, Christian, Austin, Connor, and Zachary Sumner, and Alexander, Matthew, and Tyler Cruise. He is predeceased by his parents Margaret (McLaughlin) and James J. Cruise, and his brother Anthony Cruise. He is survived by his sisters Nancy McFadden, Susan Amrhein, his brother Paul Cruise, as well as many nieces, nephews and many dear friends that loved him.

A graduate of St. John’s University and St. John’s University School of Law, he was a practicing attorney for over 45 years and was passionate about helping the less fortunate by taking on many pro bono cases. He was a strong defender of the unborn and ran for judge on the pro-life ticket. He was a devout Catholic who attended mass regularly. He was a church lector, a CCD teacher, a St. Vincent de Paul Society member, and a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus. He loved sports, especially Rutgers College Football. Even in his final days he still exhibited his keen intellect, wit, and great sense of humor.

Although he had so many accomplishments to be proud of, if asked he would say his greatest accomplishment in life was his four children. His children in response, loved him dearly and spent the last 6 months by his side every day.

A calling hour will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2023 from 9:15 to 10:15 at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, 4049 Hartley Avenue in Palmer Township, PA with a Funeral Mass beginning at the church at 10:30 am. The interment will be at the Bloomsbury Cemetery in Bloomsbury, NJ.