James Leo Essig passed away on October 16, 2016. He was 91 years old. Loving husband of 65 years to Beatrice T. (nee Gonzalez). Beloved father of Jeanne Marie Ekstrom, Ronald J. Essig (Susan), Theresa Young (Timothy), Anita Rickershauser (Paul), Denise Birmingham and Kenneth Essig (Bonnie). Proud grandfather of: Pamela (Tom), Erica (Ed), Casey, Jaclyn, Lisa, Katie, Elizabeth, Jeffrey, Justin, Heather, Megan, Eric and Kevin, and great granddaughters, Aziza and Enna. James (Jim) was the eldest of 8 brothers and sisters. He is survived by Rita Deininger and Jane Long (Hansen), and preceded in death by Delores Madigan, Joan Ledwith, Bill Essig, Jack Essig and Ray Essig. Also survived by many loving family members and friends. Mr. Essig was a veteran of the US Army. He served as a medic during WWII in the 100th Infantry Division 7th Regiment. He received three Bronze Stars for Valor, and was awarded the NJ Distinguished Service Medal in 1997. He was a graduate of Rutgers College, Class of 1948, and later earned an MBA from Wharton School of Business and PhD in Economics from NYU. James was VP of Economic Research for Prudential Insurance Co. and Professor of Economics and Finance at Ramapo State College. He served on the Dumont Board of Ed., was a Lector at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dumont, NJ and an Eagle Scout. His hobbies included fishing, gardening and camping. Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing on Friday October 21st from 9:45-11:15 AM at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 27 Kresson-Gibbsboro Rd., Gibbsboro, NJ 08026. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 AM at the church on Friday. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in James' memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 3 Eves Dr. #310, Marlton, NJ 08053 or Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Dr. # 300, Marlton NJ 08053.