James “Jim” Fairlie Houston, 81, of Freehold, died on Wednesday, February 4th.

Jim was born in Ayr, Scotland to the late Agnes and Thomas Houston. He and his family moved to Elizabeth at a young age, returned to Scotland, and then found a permanent home in Keyport in his early teens. He attended Keyport High School where he met the love of his life, Alice.  After graduating High School, Jim went on to Seton Hall where he graduated and received his Juris Doctorate. Jim and Alice married in 1970 and began their family in 1972 in Hazlet as he built his law practice.  They later moved to Holmdel to continue their journey together, where they lived since.

Jim was very proud of his Scottish heritage. He enjoyed skiing, classic rock, rooting for the Seton Hall Pirates and NY Jets, and loyally sitting down to watch Jeopardy each weeknight.  He enjoyed many vacations with family and close friends.  The Christmas Season was his favorite time of the year.  Most of all, Jim loved spending time with his family.

He is predeceased by his parents, his wife Alice Regina Houston, and his sister, Agnes “Senga”Lynch.

Jim is survived by his children, Michele Surdez of Colts Neck, her husband Paul; Ali Montello of Manalapan; and Christopher Houston of Myrtle Beach, his wife Sara, and his seven grandchildren Madalyn and Caitlin Montello; Colton and Jake Houston; and Will, Sam, and Molly Surdez.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 13th from 4pm – 7pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road. A Committal Service will be offered on Saturday, February 14th at 11am at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Keyport.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, Jim’s family asks with gratitude that donations in his memory be made to Fulfill, the FoodBank of Monmouth Counties, at https://fulfillnj.org/ways-to-help/#donate-funds – (732) 918-2600.

For messages of condolence, or to share a favorite memory of Jim, please visit his page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com