James Joseph Hudson, also known to many as "Mr. Hudson" or "Jim" of Boca Raton, FL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, with his wife and Daughter by his side. Jim passed away after nearly a 20-year journey with Alzheimer's disease, accurately called "The Long Goodbye".

Jim was born March 6, 1935, in Jersey City, NJ where he spent his childhood. Jim spent his later youth in Highlands, NJ at the Jersey Shore where he attended Atlantic Highlands High School. Jim was known as a high school hero for his incredible basketball skills and God-given height of 6 feet 4 inches, strength, bravery, kindness, and determination; traits which he carried throughout his life. Jim was named to the All-Shore Basketball Conference team and given the nickname Ocky because he looked like he had 8 arms as he dribbled the basketball. Jim held the school record for the most points scored in one game for over 30 years until 1985. Jim loved swimming and diving. He worked as a lifeguard on the Shrewsbury River during his summers in Highlands. He loved sharing stories of saving a young girl's life at Miller Street Beach, diving off the middle of Highlands Bridge into the strong currents below, and rescuing others who dared to follow. He talked about performing daring ocean swims and free dives with his friends at Sandy Hook. Jim would often recount, "I swam a mile offshore and 30 feet down to grab a handful of sand. I almost didn't make it." Jim was awarded basketball and football scholarships and attended Clemson and St Bonaventure Universities as an undergrad. He joined the Army in 1959 and was honorably discharged in 1961. Ultimately, Jim received his Master's degree in Education from Monmouth College in Long Branch, NJ. In, February 1966, Jim married the love of his life, Marlene Kennedy also from Jersey City, NJ. They settled down in Highlands, NJ, the beloved town of his youth and raised their three children, Jimmy, Caroline, and Danny. Jim began his teaching and coaching career in Hazlet, NJ, and retired from there in 1998. Throughout his career, Jim also worked summers for the Gateway National Park Service at Sandy Hook. After retiring from teaching, he continued to stay active. Jim was a devout Catholic and parishioner at St. Catherine Labourie Catholic Church, Middletown, NJ, and Ascension Catholic Church, Boca Raton, FL. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed simple pleasures like spending time with his family, playing basketball at Miller St. Park, working out at the YMCA, reading the paper, working on his cars, watching the Giants games, re-runs of Andy Griffith, Walker Texas Ranger and Westerns.  He enjoyed shooting the breeze every morning at the local coffee shop, or a having few beers on the weekends at the VFW and American Legion. Jim also enjoyed going on cruises and taking trips with his wife. In 2015, Jim and Marlene moved to Florida to be with their daughter, Caroline after the passing of their 2 sons. As Alzheimer's progressed he received excellent care at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center's Community Living Center/Hospice until his passing.

Jim is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 58 years, Marlene; loving daughter, Caroline Dennis; doting grandsons, Levi Soza, Gage Dennis, Lucas Dennis, and Jacob Hudson; great-grandson, Xyan Hudson; daughter-in-law, Breta Hudson and step-granddaughter Zoe Hudson; sisters-in-law, Patricia Hudson and Carol Sapiro and nieces, Sharon and Laura; nephews, Edward, Michael, Paul and Steve. James was predeceased by his Father, James M. Hudson; Mother, Mildred Hudson; Brother, Edward Hudson, sons, James Hudson, Jr. and Daniel Hudson; and brother-in-law, Les Sapiro.

A Visitation Service in memory of Jim will be held on Friday, May 3 from 10:30 to 12:30 at Gary Panoch Funeral Home, 6140 North Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL.

A Funeral Mass will follow at 1:00 pm at Ascension Catholic Church, 7250 North Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, Florida, 33487.

Friends are welcome to join the family after the mass at Tim Finnegan's Irish Pub, 2885 South Federal Hwy., Delray Beach, Florida, 33483.

Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com