Obituary of James A. McDermott, Jr.

James A. McDermott, Jr., of Bethlehem, PA, and formerly a longtime resident of Summit, NJ, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026 at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA. He was 83.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Bette Lynn McDermott (née Williams); five sons, James Thomas McDermott and his wife Michelle McDermott, William Sean McDermott and his wife Karen McDermott, Kevin Alvah McDermott and his wife Katie Conrad, Gregory Edward McDermott and his wife Tina Miles, Steven Patrick McDermott and his wife Victoria McDermott; two daughters, Dawn Michelle Brewster and her husband Mike & Kristin Lynn Dievendorf and her husband Eric; two brothers, Edward McDermott and his wife Barbara & Robert McDermott and his wife Alicia; dear family friend, Lee Ellen Chontos; and eleven cherished grandchildren, Gene, Matthew, James, Lindsey, Mason, Jack, Kay, Jane, David, Sheena & Michael

In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his sister, Edith Fanton.

Born in Orange, NJ on June 20, 1942 to the late James A. McDermott, Sr. and Helen Nelson McDermott, Jim moved and spent the better part of his childhood in Norwalk, CT alongside his siblings. He later relocated to Pompton Lakes, NJ where he attended Pompton Lakes High School and was honored as Cardinal King and voted Best Physique. Following his graduation, he pursued higher education at Montclair State University, earning his bachelor's degree.

Jim proudly served in the United States Army National Guard, beginning in New Jersey's Armory division before transitioning to the Engineering division in North Carolina, where he developed skills in water purification.

On November 9, 1968, Jim married his love and best friend, Bette Lynn Williams McDermott. They settled in her hometown Summit, NJ, where they dedicated themselves to raising their seven children. A devoted parishioner of St. Teresa of Avila Roman Catholic Church, Jim actively contributed to his community as a coach for Summit Junior Baseball where he strived to develop each player to their best potential.  He was an enthusiastic softball player in New Providence and Berkeley Heights for many years. He was a long-time member of the New Providence/Berkeley Heights Jaycees and in the early 1970s was a proud and active participant in the grassroots effort to launch New Providence’s first voluntary recycling program, long before the establishment of mandated programs nearly a decade later. He was also a token Irish member of the Paca Club, where he enjoyed spending his Friday nights.

With a successful career in the insurance industry, Jim served as both an underwriter and a broker, earning the esteemed CPCU designation. His professional journey began at Kemper Insurance in Summit and progressed through various companies, including Frankel & Co. in New York City. Revered for his even-keeled demeanor and sound judgment, Jim underwrote insurance for notable corporations, including Sea World and Cypress Gardens, earning respect from colleagues and mentoring many along the way.

Above all, Jim’s deepest pride lay in his family. His love for Bette was profound, and together they built a legacy of kindness and compassion. Jim’s seven children, eleven grandchildren and grand-pets were a source of immeasurable joy in his life.

Retiring to Bethlehem, PA, twelve years ago, Jim continued to live out his faith, generously volunteering at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church as a greeter and actively supporting parish life.

Jim will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the love he so freely gave.

All that wish to attend are invited to the visitation for Jim on Friday, May 1, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Madison Memorial Home followed by interment with military honors at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

A Memorial Mass for Jim will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church, 450 East Washington Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18017. 

The family has kindly requested that charitable contributions be made in Jim’s memory to the Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation.