James J. Herron

James J. Herron, age 91, of Valley Stream passed away in the morning of April 17, 2023.

Jim was born in 1932, in Baisley Park Queens, son of the late James and Catherine Herron. He grew up in Baisley Park, NY eventually settling in Valley Stream in 1957 when he married Mary Flanagan, his childhood sweetheart, upon his return from US Naval Service.

He was lovingly devoted to his wife of 62 years and their four children Mary, Eileen, Maureen and James.

He was blessed with ten grandchildren Emily, Hannah, Megan, Shannon, Kelly, Erin, Grace, Elizabeth, Michael and Sarah.

He was a devout Catholic who instilled a strong sense of love, faith and values to his family.

He was a proud US Navy veteran who cherished his service where he flew in an AD- Skyraider as an aircraft technician and radar operator providing early warning for the US sixth fleet. He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degree at night, while running his own business and working full time at Sperry as an electronic technician, while raising his four children.

He was a Master Electrician who started his own business and became a high school teacher at Thomas Edison Vocational High School, teaching Electrical Installation. As a high school teacher for 26 years, he saw the untapped potential in all his students, no matter the background or academic history, every student was worthy of the opportunity to fulfill their true capability. He instilled in all his students a sense of work ethic, self-worth, professionalism and love of the United States which afforded everyone a unique opportunity for success.

He was a huge supporter of United States Marine Corps “Toys for Tots”  and would lobby the high school student body to insure the less fortunate received the blessings of gifts every Christmas.

Jim had a love of animals especially his faithful collies which would always be by his side.

Jim loved spending time with his grandchildren and cherished his family.

Jim was a man of strong character, faith and love, who is an outstanding example of a husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be sincerely missed by all who knew and loved him.