If you live in Basking Ridge and you went to Brush’s Deli, you were bound to see Jimmy DeCoste holding court with his friends at the table by the window. They would meet just about every day, shoot the breeze, have breakfast, and have a few coffees at the third-generation place that Tim Brush and his wife were running. That’s where I’d see Jimmy, and we got to talking since he not only knew local history, but he lived it. But better yet, he was always willing to share some of the best stories I’ve ever learned. Dave, Eddie, Jay, Paul, Brendan, and Don (from Maplewood) at the table were sure to tease him about it.
“A quiet sadness has settled over Basking Ridge with the loss of James’ Jimmy’ DeCoste, one of those rare individuals whose life was measured not in words, but in steady acts of service. In a town built on history and shared memory, his passing is felt deeply as a reminder that the people who hold a community together are often the ones who ask for nothing in return.”
Friends and residents of Basking Ridge honored longtime member and U.S. Army Veteran Jim DeCoste. Members, BTPD, Chaplain Rick Morley, and family gathered to surprise Jim with an unveiling of his banner. Thank you for your service, Jim!
MLH Remembers Jimmy DeCoste
It’s absolutely amazing how many times we’d run into Jimmy…. and we share his great support for the community he loved so much.
Jimmy Inspired Stores
Stories and History
Nothing was more fun than when Jimmy attended our Elder Voices program, where locals would gather to share stories and memories from growing up in Basking Ridge. I think Jimmy was personally responsible for at least a half-dozen stories we wrote about, ranging from the building of 287 to racing cars and the sand pit.
Two great friends, Carmen Fortenbacker and Jimmy Decoste, during an elder voices roundtable. This is why we held these events, and we’re so grateful to have both of them here, preserved in history.
James DeCoste Obituary
March 13, 1940 – April 15, 2026 (86)
A life of Service to GOD, his COUNTY, FAMILY, and FRIENDS
Jim was born at All Souls Hospital in Morristown and was raised in Basking Ridge by his parents, Caroline and John DeCoste, the middle child of 5 boys. His parents moved to Basking Ridge in the 1930’s and called it home, where Jim spent his childhood. Jim is a 1958 graduate of Bernards High School, where he enjoyed football and track, and later enthusiastically worked on the reunion committee for many years.
He enlisted in the Army and served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne from 1958 to 1961, rising to the rank of SP4/E4. He cross-trained with special forces and was deployed to Panama.
His service to his family, friends, and the community spanned his entire life. Service to others was who he was. You could not separate this from the man. Always loyal and helpful, he made everyone his friend. In fact, the only people who were not his friends were people he had not yet met.
His loyalty to his country was unwavering. He was proud to tell stories of his training, deployments, and the adventures he experienced. He would often slyly say that as a paratrooper, he jumped out of a perfectly good airplane.
On his behalf, we would like to thank all military personnel for your service. After being discharged from the Army, he joined the Basking Ridge Police Department as a Special Police Officer. His next job was with Somerset Hills National Bank. He spent a few years as a Real Estate Agent with Carlin Realtors in Basking Ridge before joining AT&T, where he held multiple Environmental Management positions and retired after 25 years.
Jim was the Commander of American Legion Neil-Card Post #114 for many, many years. In this capacity, he served as the Memorial Day Master of Ceremonies for the Basking Ridge Memorial parade for an amazing 37 years. This event was a major moment for him each year as he celebrated with the community the great sacrifice of our military personnel, remembering them each year.
He believed it was the greatest honor to help the community recognize and celebrate the sacrifices of our armed service personnel. He remembered his time with the local Kiwanis club fondly, helping with the annual Kiwanis fair in Basking Ridge for many years.
At 86 years old, he was the longest living continuous member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Basking Ridge. He served as a senior warden on the church vestry, taught Sunday school, and loved helping with the biannual church rummage sale (a favorite of his). More than anything, he loved to share stories, information, and a laugh with people.
Jim joined the Basking Ridge Fire Company as a young man and was an active life member. He previously served as the Fire and First Aid Captain, selflessly answered calls for service at any time or day, and regularly attended monthly meetings. He recently received honors for his 61 years of service to this volunteer organization in recognition of his dedication to always helping others in need. We thank all first responders for their dedication and selfless service.
His love for his family was unwavering. Stories of the past were a comfort to him, and with family, he was at his best as a storyteller. He generously passed these stories on to his children and, more recently, to his grandchildren, whom he loved with all his heart. He is survived by his wife (of 61 years), Carol. Together they celebrated their 61st anniversary in October, daughter Bernadette and husband, and grandchildren Caroline and Thamas, his son James II and his wife Judy, Judy’s daughter Gretchen, their brother Paul,l and many more relatives both near and far, who loved him dearly.
He handled his setbacks with hope and determination, always rising above life’s trials with endless optimism and perseverance. It is this memory that we will take with us every day.
Instead of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s honor to the Basking Ridge Fire Company No. 1 (brfco.com), St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (stmarksbr.org), or the American Legion (legion.org). A Celebration of Life Memorial Service with military honors will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 140 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM with a repast to follow at the church.
Jimmy Inspired MLH Stories
If we could have a Rushmore Six – Jimmy would be on that Mountain!
South Finley Barbershop will surely miss his visits. Jimmy was wonderful and I will miss so much him saying hey kid how ya been!? His hugs and friendship, I was so grateful to know him. My love to the family. RIP James. You will always be in our thoughts.
Such Sad news….What a legend.He knew everyone and everything about the area, especially BR……..Jimmy Dee, rest easy you will be very missed.
Knew Jim from the first day I opened my office. He was a greeter and now he will be greeted. A wonderful kind gentleman becomes an angel
I was was blessed to be good friends with Jim. A fascinating person so dedicated to his country, his wife and family and his home town of Basking Ridge. RIP Jim, may your legacy never be fDavid Chowanskyorgotten…
Jimmy & I have been the greatest of friends since kindergarten in Basking Ridge, going through Maple Ave School, Oak Street School & Bernards High School, graduating in ’58, and to this time. He has been a great & caring friend and will be greatly missed.
A wonderful man, a hero and true friend of Basking Ridge. My father-in-law grew up with Mr. D and remained friends all these years. I miss seeing him in Shop Rite, running into him at Brush’s, Charter Day, the parades and visits. We will remember him fondly
Jimmy was an integral part of the services throughout the town and was always actively involved. He was always very loyal and dependable. He will certainly be missed! Prayers to his family.-🙏🏻💕