James J. McGinnis

Jim McGinnis, age 81, of Waldwick passed away Friday, June26, 2026, after a 2-year illness.

Jim was born to James and Marguerite (nee Justus) McGinnis. He is survived by his wife Beverly (nee Berube) and son Jim McGinnis Jr. and his wife Gina and grandchildren Jackson, Jameson and Olivia. He is also survived by his sister Alice Caliente and half-brother Roger Hindle as well as many nieces and nephews.

He attended Emerson High School in Union City and took classes at Rutgers University before being drafted and sent to Vietnam. He served with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade from 1965 through 1967. He was a senior scout observer in the Reconnaissance Platoon, Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regement. While serving in Vietnam he kept a diary and published the diary in his book Romeo 1-1, Vietnam Tour of Duty in 2021. He did many book signings/ presentations and was often interviewed about his experiences in Vietnam.

He met Beverly and they were married in 1974. They had one son Jim Jr. Jim was loving and caring to his family and friends and lived life to the fullest. He thoroughly enjoyed Broadway shows, traveling, tennis, golf, the US Open and the annual West Point Games.

He worked as a pharmaceutical sales representative for several companies the last of which was Neuman Distributors. After retiring he became a Tour Guide at the New Jersey Vietnam Memorial in Holmdel which he did until his passing.

The McGinnis Family will receive friends on Monday, June 29, 2026 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ. A funeral mass will be celebrated at on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 10:00 AM at St. Luke's RC Church, 300 N. Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to NJ Vietnam Memorial, 1 Memorial Lane, Holmdel, NJ (New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial & Museum).

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