Obituary of James H. Lelli

James H. Lelli Jr., 81, passed away on July 14, 2012 at South Jersey Regional Hospital. He was a life long Vineland resident. He Started a long Banking career as Loan Officer at the Vineland Tradesman Bank on Landis Avenue. From there He served as Vice President of United Jersey Bank and as President of Cumberland National Bank. He then went on as an auditor for the Resolution Trust Corporation. He then served as Director of Economic Development for the City of Vineland prior to his retirement. James was past president of the Vineland United Way , past president of Red Cross, past president of the Vineland Exchange Club, former treasurer og the Babe Ruth League, recipient of the Liberty Bell Award for community service from the Cumberland County Bar Association. past president of the Vineland Chamber of Commerce and past chairman of the Cumberland County College board of trustees. In 1981, at age 50, he ran his first marathon in Philadelphia. That whetted his appetite for the "pinnacle for amateurs," the Boston Marthon. In 1983, with attorney Ted Ritter, Lelli flew to Boston in a private plane, ran the marathon in four hours, three minutes, and was back in New Jersey for a 9 p.m. dinner. A graduate of Sacred Heart High School James also attended Gerogetown University in Washington D.C., He served in the US armed forces during the Korean Was and spent two years in West Germany. He especially enjoyed outdoor activities and camping with his Family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Eleanor ( Letts) Lelli of Vineland, a son and his companion Thomas Lelli and Keely Hunkins of Makawau Hawaii, Brothers and their wives, Paul and Joyce Lelli of Indiana, David and Karen Lelli of Milmay, John and Debra Lelli of Milmay. nieces and nephews: Paul, Daniel, Diane, Stephen, Gregory, Marr and Jonathan. Also surviving are several great nieces and great nephews.