James G Kushmerick

James Gerald Kushmerick, Sr.

James Gerald Kushmerick, Sr. age 76 of Maplewood, NJ passed away on Saturday July 14, 2018 at home. Jim had many roles: educator, school administrator, tennis player, husband, father and grandfather but most of all he was always a hustler.  He was born in Newark, NJ where his incredible work ethic was imparted growing up in the Bradley Court Projects.  He played football throughout high school at Westside and college at Trenton State, and started his career as a Physical Education teacher at Peshine Elementary.  He earned a Master of Arts degree in education from Seton Hall University taking night and weekend classes.  The school schedule and his endless energy dovetailed nicely, and he always had multiple jobs at any given time, afterschool recreation, a side business doing home painting and repair work, while still managing to make it home for dinner with the family and coaching his kids in sports he had never played himself – primarily soccer and lacrosse.  After serving as a PE teacher at numerous Newark schools Jim – called Mr. K by his students – became an Athletic Director ending his career at Malcolm X Shabazz High School. Summers were spent at the house on Clark Ave in Ocean Grove NJ, which gave him another outlet for his drive since it required a great deal of restoration work over the years.  Always the competitor, his close-knit crew of tennis friends gave him ample opportunities to test his skills on the court. 

He is survived by his wife Lynn, daughter Kim, son Jim, grandchildren, Emily, Julia, Shane and Sam as well as his brother Paul and wife Jean, cousin Kathy, sisters-in-law Barbara, Susan and husband Dom brother-in-law Bill and wife Judi, nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends. 

Cremation was private and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

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