James W, Babcock, 97, died Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at Capital Health Medical Center in Hopewell. Born in Patterson, James was a resident of Hightstown most of his life.
Mr. Babcock was retired from McGraw Hill Publishing in East Windsor where he worked as a line supervisor. James was an 85 year member of the First United Methodist Church of Hightstown where he was choir director for over 50 years. He also held many positions within the church including, trustee, secretary, administrative board member, worship chairman and most recently sexton, which he retired from after 16 years of service. For many years James served as choir director/organist for New Egypt Methodist Church. He was a member of the Civil Defense in the area during World War II and was a member of the Odd Fellow Lodge #59.
He was predeceased in 2001 by his wife Thelma Morton Babcock. James is survived by his two daughters, Kathleen (Dennis) Rhodes of Ocean View, DE; Christine (Earl) Groendyke of East Windsor; four grandchildren, Alexander Rhodes, Rebecca Thomas, Gretchen Tait and Lisa Foley and seven great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 11am at the First United Methodist Church of Hightstown, 187 Stockton Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hightstown. Calling hours will be held Sunday, August 4, 2019 from 3pm to 6pm at the Barlow & Zimmer Funeral Home, 202 Stockton Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520, and Monday from 10am until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in James’s name may be made to the Organ Fund at the First United Methodist Church of Hightstown, PO Box 137, Hightstown, NJ 08520.