James McDermott Brady, 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 1, 2020, in Toms River, NJ.
James was born on October 29, 1943, to loving catholic parents, John and Catherine (nee McDermott) Brady in Bellshill, Scotland. He had six siblings, Margaret, Moira, Anna, Julia, Owen his identical twin, and Catherine. Growing up, James & Owen loved nothing more than getting the other one into trouble or tricking family and friends pretending to be each other!
James met his first wife Rosaleen in Baldock, Hertfordshire, England where they went on to have four children; Tracey, Caroline, Trina, and Emma. James started a successful career working in the hospitality industry. James was a natural when it came to entertaining which showed in his popularity as his career grew.
In 1980, James emigrated to Kearny, NJ in the United States where he joined his older sister, Anna. James continued working in hospitality and the pinnacle of his career was working as a maître d’ in restaurants such as, ‘Windows on the World’ and the ‘21 Club’ both in New York City and he affectionately became known as “Diamond Jim”. He was well known for holding a room to attention with his wit, charm, and humor. People would be hypnotized by his presence especially when he was telling them a story and waiting anxiously for the punchline which he would deliver with perfect timing.
James then went on to meet and marry Patrice, they settled down and went onto have 2 children, Kathleen and Sean. They had a happy life together but that was tragically cut short when Patrice sadly lost her life in a family car accident which would impact all their lives significantly. James, Kathleen, and Sean were a strong unit, always supporting each other to keep Patrice’s memory alive.
James was a highly intelligent man who was self-taught for many of his musical talents such as playing the accordion, piano, keyboard, and guitar and he also formed a Country and Weston band in his earlier years. He was also well known for his love of singing and writing. James wrote and published a book titled “The Enchanted Land of Tuva” which received rave reviews. James loved learning about new cultures and traveling; his travels would take him to many places such as Russia and Bhutan in South Asia, a place he held dear in his heart. James loved helping people and the proceeds from his book sales were donated to help less fortunate children in Bhutan. James was a perfectionist with the highest of standards; he prized himself on keeping an immaculate home and garden which he loved to show off to family and friends whilst entertaining. Throughout his life, his faith was very important to him moving from Catholicism to Buddhism and believed all gods lead to one path.
James leaves behind his grandchildren, Leanne, Josh, Harry, Ellie & Poppy, and many nieces and nephews in England, Scotland, Ireland, and America.
James was a big character, full of life and energy who will be sorely missed by all that knew him especially his family and friends.
As a family, we hope our Dad has found his path in the next life where he is happy and loved.
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