Jim Greczek

Alvin James Greczek passed away February 3, 2023, at Penn Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia. Jim, as he was known to almost everyone, was born in Jamestown, PA., on December 21, 1938. He was a graduate of Portage Area High School and St. Francis College in Loretto, PA, and earned a master’s degree from Rowan University (formerly Glassboro State College). He also served in the Army National Guard before receiving an honorable discharge.  

Jim was a teacher, counselor, and principal at Williamstown High School in Williamstown, NJ, from which he retired in 1998 after 38 years. He also coached cross-country and track and field. His cross-country teams were a state powerhouse throughout the 1970s, capturing several South Jersey championships and winning more than 90 percent of their meets. Jim’s coaching success led to his eventual induction into the Gloucester County and South Jersey Sports Halls of Fame. He maintained relationships with many of his athletes over the years, continuing to serve as a mentor and father figure.  

Jim lived in Williamstown and raised his family there with his beloved wife of 57 years, Carole. Jim and Carole spent much of their retirement traveling the world together, going on cruises, and checking out the latest movies and local restaurants together. He loved watching his grandchildren compete on the field or the court and often could be found at his favorite fishing spot, Timber Lakes in Williamstown, with his fishing buddy Richard Matticola, who affectionately referred to Jim as “Captain.” 

Jim will always be remembered as a great teacher and friend who had a smile for everyone. He made it a point to treat everyone equally and with respect. To quote his friend Rich, “he was a gentleman’s gentleman.” 

He is survived by his wife, Carole; his sister, Joanne; his sons and daughters-in-law Keith and Stephanie Greczek of Hereford, PA, Kevin Greczek and Jennifer Hasan of Robbinsville, NJ, and James Greczek and Robyn Greczek of Moorestown, NJ; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Maryann Toth of Milltown, NJ; and his grandchildren Michaela, Elizabeth, Ryan, Matthew, Jacob, and Adam. He is predeceased by his father, Alvin, his mother, Josephine, and brothers Richard, Ronald, and Robert.  

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Friday, February 10th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM and Saturday, February 11th from 8:30 – 9:30 AM at the Bell-Hennessy Funeral Home, 420 South Main St., Williamstown. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Peace Parish / St. Mary’s RC Church, 32 Carroll Ave., Williamstown. Entombment All Saints Cemetery, Newfield. 

Memorial donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the American Heart Association, PO BOX 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or to www.heart.org/donate. 

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