James T. Dancer

James Thomas Dancer, 82, originally from New Egypt, NJ, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 14, 2026. Born in 1943 to the late Charles and Mary Dancer, Jim was a man of deep faith, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and devoted brother, he lived a life devoted to God and enduring love for his family. After graduating from Allentown High School in 1962, Jim spent one year studying at Trenton Junior College before pursuing his passion in harness racing.

The youngest of six children, Jim was raised in New Egypt, NJ, a small town where he loved growing up. He was an owner, trainer and driver of many horses throughout his career in harness racing and was also owner of the James Dancer Stables. The highlight of his career was racing in The Hambletonian Stakes in 1981 where he drove the trotter, Nathan Lobell. Jim also served as a volunteer firefighter with the New Egypt Fire Company. After his retirement Jim loved the game of golf (self-taught with a $1 club and a book) which he was able to play with great passion and enthusiasm. Jim enjoyed passing on his knowledge in golf by volunteering with the First Tee Program and teaching his son, grandson, and daughter-in-law. He loved watching Notre Dame play football, Duke play basketball, and the greatest of all golf tournaments, The Masters. Jim is remembered for his tender heart, his honesty, his incredible smile and infectious laugh.

Jim’s greatest joy was his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary Dancer, his brother Robert Dancer, and his sister Phyllis Foulks. He is survived by his son Steven Dancer and his wife Sharon Dancer of Leesburg, GA; his daughter Rebecca Mitchell and her husband Rick Mitchell of Cream Ridge, NJ; granddaughter Dr. Chelsea Rae Mathews and her husband Jason Matthews of Clark’s Green, PA; granddaughter Morgan Taylor Sexton and her husband Ken Sexton of Hamilton Township, NJ; grandson Ryan James Dancer and his wife Lorraine Dancer of Savannah, GA; and two amazing great-grandchildren Otto David Dancer and Mable Elizabeth Dancer. He also leaves behind his two loving sisters, Shirley Spengler of Naples, FL and Carol Johnson of New Egypt, NJ; his brother David Dancer, and countless loving nieces and nephews. Jim is survived by his loving partner Clara Nurko of Long Beach Island, NJ. Clara has given Jim some of his greatest joy in these last years. Jim’s big heart and selfless nature led him to donate a kidney to his cousin, Ronald Dancer, which gave Ronnie 34 more years of a productive life. Jim courageously fought prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, heart disease, diabetes and end stage kidney failure. Jim’s faith in God was unwavering and made him strong, allowing him to overcome the health challenges he faced during his later years. He would always say “it is what it is”.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Kidney Fund, https://www.kidneyfund.org/. The team at the Fresenius Kidney Care in Manahawkin, NJ provided Jim with an additional 2 ½ years of life through weekly dialysis. This team became a second family to Jim, showing him kindness and support as they do to so many other patients who endure dialysis treatments.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.