James Robert Stynes of Lakewood and formerly Marlboro, NJ passed away peacefully at the age of 97 at the Willows in Holmdel, NJ on 12/26/16. He lived a life filled full with family, honor, and service.

James was born in Buffalo, NY to Patrick and Kathryn Stynes in 1919. His father passed the following year. In his young years he worked hard to help support the family only to then proudly enlist in the US Army Air Force after the devastation of Pearl Harbor. He passed AAF Flying Training Command to become a bomber pilot to then serve on the 1st air attack on the Japanese occupied Aleutian Islands in 1943. His 20 year Air Force career spanned daring missions throughout WWII and beyond including those to France, Italy, Germany; and the Berlin Air Lift. He flew his favorite B-17, as well as the B-24, B-29, and C-54. Continuing his service after WWII, in 1946 he also met his bride, Eileen Seymore, at Watson Labs (Air Force Avionics) in Tinton Falls, NJ. He was stationed around the world including Texas, Kansas, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, France, and Germany. While in Florida they had their beloved daughter Kathleen. He also discovered a life-long love of boating. He retired from McGuire AFB, NJ at the rank of Colonel in 1963 complete with medals and awards for bravery and was forever proud of his service and his great love of his country. His retirement home became a horse farm in Marlboro, NJ while he also entered Real Estate and later opened Stynes Real Estate in Colts Neck in 1969 in which he was Broker for 20 years. He enjoyed flying his Piper Cub to visit family in Buffalo, NY and enjoyed the life of a gentleman farmer. Upon his retirement from Real Estate in 1989, he cared for his beloved wife until her death in 1997. In that time he enjoyed the birth of his only grandchild, Ricky, to whom he was completely devoted. He moved then to Lakewood, NJ staying for 16 years and then finally to The Willows in Holmdel, NJ.

He is predeceased by his mother Kathryn Schaefer Stynes, father Patrick Stynes, and sister Betty Brennan. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Kathleen, and grandson, Richard James Saker. There will be a private family service to honor his lasting memory and eternal love.

God be with you until we meet again.