James J Zbikowski

James Joseph ’Jim’ Zbikowski, of Clifton, New Jersey, a loving husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away on November 16, 2025. He was born on July 18, 1954, in Montclair, New Jersey, and his passing leaves a legacy of love, creativity, and loyalty.

 Jim is survived by his loving, wife, Patricia, his children, James Edmund Zbikowski and Tara Lyn Zbikowski, his brother, Lawrence Vincent Zbikowski, and sister, Patricia Ann Kirschner. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund Vincent Zbikowski and Cecilia Dolores Regan. 

Jim was a loving husband who always went the extra mile, tending thoughtfully to both the small details and the big responsibilities. He especially cherished the quiet evenings enjoying an old movie snuggling together with his wife. 

Jim also made it a priority to be present at his children’s sporting events and dance recitals, never missing a chance to cheer them on. He found joy in the mental challenge of games like Chess and Pente, and—though his kids may not have realized it—he often took greater delight in helping with their school projects than they did themselves. 

For 35 years, Jim built his career as a welder, eventually advancing to the role of foreman at Manning and Lewis Engineering Company. Following that, he dedicated 25 years as an Operations and Maintenance Specialist with De Block Environmental Services LLC. 

Jim loved the outdoors, went on yearly camping trips with friends and loved sitting around a backyard firepit. Jim had a personality that people naturally gravitated to. He was genuine, simple, unassuming, and funny. People found it was easy to be comfortable around him. 

Jim’s artistic skills were evident from an early age in his drawings. Later, he developed skilled woodworking techniques as he worked with his hands. He made beautiful gifts, crafted furniture and cabinetry. He especially enjoyed working with others on their remodeling projects. Jim was truly a “Jack of all trades”! He was a perfectionist in all his work who thoroughly and thoughtfully enjoyed his hobbies, and the quality of his craftmanship showcased it. 

Jim will be dearly missed, but his legacy of love, creativity, and devotion has left a mark on our hearts forever. Please join us for a Celebration of Life in honor of Jim on November 25, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Cremation Society of New Jersey, Inc., located at 470 Colfax Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013. This gathering will serve as a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable man who touched the lives of so many and whose spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those he loved. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of James to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.StJude.org or Holy Faith Lutheran Church at 104 Paradise Road, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438