James M. Daley

James M. “Jim” Daley, PE (Bethlehem Township, PA) On September 29, 2026 — his 86th birthday — Jim Daley passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of love, loyalty, and quiet strength. Born on September 29, 1940 to William and Margaret Daley in Jersey City, NJ. Jim grew up to be a man who never stopped learning, never stopped helping, and never stopped showing up for the people he loved. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force.

Jim’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his children, Jim Daley, MD (wife Marilyn) and Keri Tomko (husband Joe), and by the grandchildren who were the center of his world: Chris, Elizabeth, and Kayla. He is also survived by his brother and best friend, Jack Daley (wife Marilyn), with whom he shared a lifetime of stories, laughter, and unwavering brotherly loyalty. Jim is predeceased by his brothers William Daley, Robert Daley, and Donald Daley.

A gifted electrical engineer, Jim spent virtually all of his career as a Professional Electrical Engineer specializing in cogeneration and power engineering at Automatic Switch Company in Florham Park, NJ. He loved solving the kinds of problems most people would never dare touch — the more complicated, the better. After formally retiring, he remained professionally active as a frequently sought after consultant, Leading Member of the International Electrical Code Standards Committee, and participation with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Jim’s contributions to power engineering lives on in the extensive library of published book chapters and journal articles, and in the engineers and students he quietly mentored along the way.

In addition to his professional career, Jim was an ordained Deacon who served the community of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Washington, NJ for many years. He retired from this ministry around 1993. Shortly after he moved to Bethlehem Township, PA, Jim was appointed to the Planning Commission, where he offered his time and technical expertise to help shape the community landscape.

The heart of Jim’s life wasn’t found in technical papers or engineering standards, but in the everyday moments — Family dinners where he sat in his favorite spot, coffee chats at his local Starbucks talking with the staff and regulars about anything and everything, and long conversations with his grandchildren who brought him more joy than they will ever fully know. Jim had a way of making people feel heard, supported, and loved simply by being present.

His absence leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew him, but his legacy of kindness, curiosity, dedication, and deep love will continue to guide his family forever.

Details for a Celebration of Life Service for Jim will be shared in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org).

Arrangements by the Cremation Society of Pennsylvania, King of Prussia.