James Matthew Gaughran

James Matthew Gaughran, age 86, died Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at his home in Raritan Township NJ. Born February 2, 1935 in Jersey City NJ, Jim was the son of the late James and Anne Barton Gaughran. He grew up in Jersey City and moved to the Hunterdon County area to enjoy a more rural lifestyle. Jim was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and he served his country during the Korean War from 1953 to 1956. Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Jim graduated from the Mondell Institute in New York, where he specialized in mechanical drafting. He was hired by Bell Laboratories soon thereafter and eventually retired in 1989, after 35 years of service to the company. Jim loved to read, especially about US and World history, spend time in his garden, listen to Irish music, and root for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame football team. He was an avid photographer for many years and his family has many pictures to remember his talents. One of his most favorite pastimes were Sunday rides with his wife, Joan, and family trips to places like the Great Swamp in New Jersey, as well as many vacations to Virginia. Most of all, he loved spending time with his wife, his three children, and his grandchildren, Rylen, Ashley and Carter. Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joan Ireland Gaughran, his daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Todd Seelig of Lebanon NJ, his son and daughter-in-law, James K. and Donna Gaughran of Flemington NJ, his daughter, Patricia Gaughran of Flemington NJ, his three grandchildren, Rylen Michael Seelig, Ashley Carosella and Carter Carosella, as well as his sister, Margaret Gaughran Devaney. Funeral services for Jim will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington NJ. Calling hours will be Thursday from 5:30 pm until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment in Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown PA will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or to Hunterdon Hospice, 215 Route 31 South, Flemington NJ 08822. For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.