Obituaries
James McAlarnen, 72
August 14, 2020
James McAlarnen of Lancaster, PA, and formerly of Venice, FL, passed away on Friday, August 14, 2020 at Hospice & Community Care, Mount Joy, PA. He was 72. Born in Somers Point and raised in North Wildwood, NJ, he was the son of Frank and Elizabeth (Neill) McAlarnen.
Jim was a professional firefighter for the City of North Wildwood for 25 years until his retirement in 2003 and a beloved Fudgy Wudgy Man on North Wildwood’s beaches for decades. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served during the Vietnam Era, and a graduate of Wildwood Catholic High School, where he was a talented competitive athlete. He was an excellent open-water swimmer and guarded beaches in New Jersey and Florida. In his early twenties, he traveled independently throughout Europe, Hawaii, and California with not much more than his own wits (and what he could carry on his back) about him.
For much of his life, the beach sustained him not only financially but vitally – through swimming, surfing, fishing, crabbing, boating, and sailing and ultimately by providing opportunities to share the same with his family.
Above all else, Jim was a dedicated family-man devoted to his daughters, providing support and experiences beyond expectation and measure. His heart was filled with love for them and their children. He will be sorely missed.
Jim is survived by three daughters and seven grandchildren – Meghan M. Eckert (husband Marc and children Madeline McAlarnen and Marc August) of Lancaster, PA, Kathleen Werth (husband Raymond and children Everett James, Reece Arthur, Griffin Raymond, and Elizabeth Mary) of Yardley, PA, and Julie McAlarnen (wife Ciera and daughter Harper J.) of West Hollywood, CA; eight siblings – Elizabeth, Rita, Francis, Susan, Kathleen, Mary Louise, Janice, and Thomas, and their families; and a beloved canine companion, Chewie, who kept him moving. He was predeceased by a daughter, Lauri, and a sister, Ann.
In keeping with his wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
August 26, 2020
To the McAlarnen, Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Jimmy will live on through his prosperity, he will always be with you.
Suzanne Bowman Thompson
August 25, 2020
Family of Jim, sorry to hear about jim’s passing. Remembering all the
football & Basketball we played together. Growing up & going to Catholic
schools togther. I’ll miss jim’s smile, as i always made him laugh & kept
it going. Rest in peace brother firefighter. May God bless you & your family.
Larry and Shirley Lillo
August 24, 2020
Meghan and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Kelly and Ed Leone
August 24, 2020
My sincere sympathy for your loss. I meet Jim many years ago and he was a wonderful person. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. I also had the pleasure of teaching his girls. He was a devoted father and never missed any of their games. God bless and your family.
Mrs. Kathy Schroeder
August 23, 2020
My sincere sympathy for your loss. I just sent a picrure of the obituary that appeared in the Lancaster Sunday Newspaper to my family as my siblings and I grew up going to North Wildwood for vacation. Everyday we were there we would love hearing the voice of the Fudgy Wudgy Man coming down the beach. “Give your tongue a sleigh ride!” He would holler. Can’t tell you how many times throughout the years we’ve reminsced about this. He brought happiness to so many kids (big and small, old and young!) Thank you for sharing him with all of us! God bless him and your family!
Mary Anne (Hanley) Weber
August 23, 2020
Our heartfelt condolences to all of Jimmy’s family and friends. He had a heart of gold and will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him. Matt, Ginny, and Lindsey McAlarnen
August 23, 2020
Mcalarnan family. My deepest condolences. The best memories Jim and I spent sitting behind 15 st. Firehouse venting our problems together literally watching the sun rising from the night before. I’m really going to miss you pal I’m just so sorry I haven’t seen you in years. Rest in peace my great friend! Rich sanguinetti
August 23, 2020
To the entire McAlarnen Family,
I am saddened to hear of Jimmy’s passing. For the longest time, he and I were the two youngest candidates to qualify for the NWBP and he offered many tips and guidance through my early time there. I had the pleasure of teaching his children, and continuing communication with him on the beach and fire company.
I hope that good memories will flood your minds to comfort you and overshadow any grief you are feeling.
Go in Peace, brother of the sea.
Tom Palmer
