James R. Champion Sr., age 93 of Vineland, passed away on Saturday, August 11, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

James was born in Vineland to the late James B. and Mabel G. (Tregale) Champion and he lived in Vineland all his life.  He graduated from Vineland High School Class of 1942. James was a Tech. Sergeant in the US Army from 1943 - 1945 during WW2, while serving at the Panama Canal.  Prior to his retirement, James was a Detective with the New Jersey State Police and previously was employed as a Lieutenant for the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

He was a founding member of the Bucks Rest Gun Club of Weymouth, NJ.  James and his late wife Doris were both active longtime members of the Trinity Episcopal Church of Vineland. James enjoyed camping, woodworking, taking care of his lawn and sharing time with his family.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Doris M. Champion in 2012 and by his son, James R. Champion Jr.

James is survived by his two loving daughters, Linda J. Champion of Vineland and Lois Flaim and her husband Ronn of Vineland. Daughter-in-law, Tricia Champion of Roanoke, Va., Nine grandchildren, Vincent Scalese (Ingrid) of Collegeville, Pa., Jimmy Scalese (Beth) of Egg Harbor Twp., Ronn Flaim (Heather) of Franklinville, Shannon Silvestri (Sergio) of Millville, Brian Flaim (Michelle) of Vineland, Lauren Flaim of Vineland, Jennifer Hanson (Matt), James R. Champion III (Carolyn) and Joseph Champion, all of Richmond, Va. Also thirteen great-grandchildren, Allison, Sammie, Ella, Jordan, Sara, Ronald, A.J., Maggie, William, James IV, Henry, Addie and Benjamin.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 10:00 AM from the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home 1024 E. Landis Ave. Vineland with Rev. Ellen Rutherford officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Interment will follow in Siloam Cemetery.

Donations in memory of James may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Please visit wbfuneralhome.com to share condolences with the family.

Arrangements are by the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.