James J. Applegate

September 22, 1941 - December 30, 2025

James J. Applegate, 84, of West Windsor, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 while at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center Plainsboro, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Trenton, NJ he was a lifelong area resident, residing in West Windsor for the past 60 years.  He was employed with the West Windsor Board of Education as a Custodial Supervisor for more than 20 years until retiring.  In his spare time, he enjoyed playing the guitar, taking trips to Lancaster and Gettysburg, PA, and going out to eat a Cracker Barrel.  He also liked watching tv, the old 50’s and 60’s cowboy movies being his favorites.

Predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Helen (Glennon) Applegate; a brother, Ralph Applegate; a sister, Dolores Heller; and his loving wife, Loretta Marie Rentner Applegate; he is survived by his children, James (Lorraine) Applegate, Sherry Applegate, Loretta M. Applegate, and William (Esther) Applegate; a brother, Ronnie (Joann) Applegate; 10 grandchildren; several great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, January 9, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at the Buklad-Merlino Memorial Home, 2141 South Broad Street, Hamilton, NJ.

Followed by a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at  St. Anthony Catholic Church, 626 South Olden Avenue, Trenton, NJ.

Burial will follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Hamilton.

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