James P. Sabol, 79, of Upper Mt. Bethel, PA, formerly of Springfield, NJ, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at his home. 

Born July 20, 1945 in Trenton, NJ, James lived most of his life in Springfield, NJ before moving to Upper Mt. Bethel, PA 26 years ago.  He graduated from Jonathan Dayton Regional High School in 1964.  James worked for the Springfield Police Department for 25 years.  He started in 1969 as a Probationary Officer.  He then attended the 118th Municipal Police Class at the NJ Police Academy in Sea Girt, NJ, graduating in February 1970.  James was a plain clothes officer for the Detective Bureau from 1974 to 1976.  He was acknowledged for his involvement in numerous criminal cases, arrests, and life-saving efforts.  To name a few: apprehending burglars involved in several home burglaries in Springfield and other jurisdictions; arrest of a main member of the Channel Lock Gang (out of Philadelphia), which was responsible for numerous home/business burglaries in NJ; apprehension of fur thieves fleeing a fur store robbery in Summit; an armed robbery arrest; a bank robbery arrest; a theft and stolen vehicle pursuit arrest; and the capture of a military deserter, for which he was commended by the USMC.  James served as a training officer for the department, in the late 1980’s, before being promoted to Corporal in 1991.  After 25 years of service, he retired in 1994.  James was a lifelong member of the PBA Local 76 beginning in 1969, serving several positions on the executive board.  He was also a member of the NJ Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association since 1971. 

On his own time, James volunteered for the Jonathan Dayton Regional High School athletic department, for more than a decade, with particular interest in their football program.  James enjoyed collecting model trains.  He loved the holidays, especially decorating for Christmas.  Most of all, James loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and was always in attendance at their sporting events. 

James is survived by his beloved wife Carol L. (Weber) Sabol, his daughter Linda S. Miller and her companion Angelo, his son Robert J. Sabol and his wife Ronda, and his three grandchildren Caitlyn, Jack, and Olivia.  He is predeceased by his mother Mary Sabol.    

The family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Sunday, February 2, 2025 from 4-6 pm at the Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, 24 Church Road, Holland Township, NJ.  A Catholic Prayer Service will follow at 6 PM with Deacon William Barr officiating.  There will also be a Celebration of Jim’s Life planned for the Spring.   

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Common Sense for Animals, PO Box 589, Broadway, NJ 08808.