James Joseph Canning, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend,
73, of Asbury Park, NJ, passed away on November 9, 2008. Jim leaves the
world a better place. He touched many lives and brought many smiles
to those he encountered throughout his life.

Jim was born in Newark, NJ, the first of two children to James and Anne Doran Canning, and was raised in East Orange, NJ. He received a BA in Philosophy and Classical Languages with minors in Education and Psychology from his much-loved Seton Hall University. Jim also did his graduate studies in Counseling and Theology at Seton Hall.

Upon finishing his studies, Jim dedicated himself to helping others. He
began his career as a Counselor and Deputy Clerk of the Juvenile Court in
Jacksonville, FL. It was there he established Jax House, an innovative
short term residential center for youthful abusers of drugs. Jim then
returned to New Jersey and created the Ocean County Health Department's
Division of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control.

Jim went on to work in various facilities counseling people with substance abuse issues. In his more than 30 years in the field, Jim assisted countless people through their darkest
times and led them back to productive lives. It was to this sometimes forgotten segment of society that Jim brought his passion, skills, and dedication. He will be forever remembered by the people he helped.

He will also be lovingly remembered by his family and friends. His wife,
Maureen, his sons, Robb and Kevin, his grandchildren, Harrison, Chapman,
George, and Ava, his sister Patty and her husband Dan of Wilmington NC, and nieces and nephews Mary Jo, Dan, Anne, Jack and Maureen.

Jim has left many happy memories that will be cherished by those who loved him. Whether it be reminiscing about the Brooklyn Dodgers, rejoicing over the New York
football Giants, or listening to his beloved Frank Sinatra, Jim did it all
with a zest and passion that will be sorely missed. His ability to see God's hand in the simple joys of life: a walk on the beach, playing with his pets, or reading the Daily News; will serve as an inspiration to those he leaves behind.

As was his wish, there will be no public ceremony or calling hours. In
memory of Jim's love of animals and in lieu of flowers, the family requests
donations to the Monmouth County SPCA in Jim's name. Call 732.542-0040 or
on-line at www.monmouthcountyspca.org.