It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of James Albert McManus. James, 74, passed away on March 7, 2026, at Riverview Medical Center after a long battle with cancer and multiple sclerosis.

James Albert McManus was born on February 12, 1952, to the late Thelma (née  Whale) and William McManus. He grew up in Hazlet, New Jersey, where he developed the strong work ethic that would define his life. By the age of 12, Jim was already working, always finding ways to earn his own way. Whether running his hot dog cart or working in construction, he was never afraid of hard work.

In his youth, Jim met the love of his life, Jeryl McManus (née Barna), at a birthday party he threw for himself. What began as a chance meeting quickly grew into a lifelong partnership, and the two married in 1974. Together, they built a life centered on family and laughter.

They welcomed their first daughter, Cassady Q. McManus, in 1978, followed by their second daughter, Courtney McManus, in 1980. Eventually, the family settled in Middletown, New Jersey, where they raised their daughters and built a home that became a gathering place for family, friends, and neighbors alike.

Throughout his life, Jim worked primarily in the perfume industry, beginning at IFF and later moving to Firmenich in New York City. He eventually settled at Quest International, where he served as a Lead Lab Technician. In addition to his career, he was also a business owner, first operating Mac’s Pools and later owning Horizon Pools & Spas. He took great pride in his work and in providing for his family.

Jim loved helping others, whether lending a hand to a neighbor in need or regularly donating blood to help someone he would never meet. He especially loved encouraging those around him to take on new challenges. He was always ready to help his son-in-law tackle a big construction project or to encourage his daughters to take risks, work hard, and believe in themselves. He found great joy in sharing his knowledge, offering guidance, and cheering on the people he loved.

He loved the simple joys of life: big family meals around the table, trips to the boardwalk, and a good game of chess with his best friend. Sports were a lifelong passion—he loved reading about them, listening to them, watching them, talking about them, and playing whenever he could. He was a devoted Mets fan and a true lover of baseball, happy to watch any game that happened to be on, no matter who was playing.

Jim also loved music and could often be heard singing and harmonizing. He had a playful sense of humor and loved making his family laugh—whether trying on an old baseball uniform that no longer quite fit or teasing his wife with a smile.

He had a well-known sweet tooth and never passed up the chance for a good dessert, especially a Jim Dandy sundae from Friendly’s. Food and family were always on his mind—at breakfast he was already thinking about lunch, and at lunch he was planning for dinner.

Above all else, Jim was incredibly proud of his girls and loved nothing more than spending time with his family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Thelma and William McManus, and his brother, William “Billy” McManus.

James will be greatly missed and forever remembered by his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Jeryl McManus (née Barna); his daughter Cassady McManus, her husband Bobby Beejack, and their daughter Piper Beejack; and his daughter Courtney McManus, her husband Matt Menosky, and their daughters Larkin and Blythe Menosky; his siblings Diane Bennett, Carol Rivers, Joyce Hock, and Raymond McManus; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Jim will be remembered for his generosity, his strong work ethic, his loyalty to those he loved, and the way he made people feel welcome wherever he was. He didn’t just smile at you, he smiled from his heart. His presence, humor, and steady love will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Even in his busiest moments, Jim was often already planning the next family gathering—because being together was always what mattered most to him.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ, from 12:00 pm–2:00 pm  and 3:30 pm–5:30 pm; with a memorial service to be held at 5:00 pm