James R. Asher Sr.
JAMES RUSSELL ASHER was born in Camden, New Jersey on December 21, 1923 to Walter Russell Asher and his wife, the former Agnes Marie Hainsworth, the daughter of Eighth Ward political leader John J. Hainsworth. The 1930 Census shows the family living at 201 Sycamore Street in South Camden, and that Walter Asher worked as a machinist in one of Camden’s many shipyards. Besides James the family included his aunt Elizabeth Asher and her month-old baby, also named Elizabeth Asher. Interestingly enough, Agnes Asher is recorded twice in the 1930 Census, both at the Sycamore Street address and under her maiden name at her parents home on Ferry Avenue.
James Asher attended school through the 10th grade and then, like the majority of boys of his generation, went to work. After serving in the United States Navy during World War II, James Asher returned to Camden and married Helen Mary Surowiec, the daughter of John and Mary Surowiec of 1709 Tioga Street, Camden in 1946. When the 1947 City Directory was compiled, the Ashers were living at the Tioga Street address with Mr. and Mrs. Surowiec. By the mid-1950s James and Helen Asher had moved to 2967 Tuckahoe Road in Fairview. They attended and educated their children at St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church in Fairview.
James Russell Asher was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on March 1, 1947 and reported for duty with Engine Company 10 the next day. He was detailed to City Commissioner Aaron’s office on December 18, 1950, possibly in anticipation of his being recalled to duty with the United States Navy. James R. Asher entered the service on January 15, 1951 and remained on active duty until June 1, 1951. Upon his return to Camden he was returned to Engine Company 10.
On May 1, 1956 James R. Asher was promoted to Captain and was assigned to Engine Company 2, then based at the old Fire Headquarters at North 5th and Arch Streets. He served with Engine 2 until October 4, 1960, when he was assigned to Commissioner Garrity’s office. Captain Asher was returned to Engine Company 2 on October 11, 1960, where he served until January 9, 1961 when he was again sent to assist Commissioner Garrity. On March 19, 1961 Captain Asher was sent to Engine Company 8 on Kaighn Avenue. On February 1, 1965 James R. Asher was promoted to Acting District Chief in the First Fire District. He was made permanent in his title on August 2, 1965.
Chief James R. Asher retired on May 1, 1973. His son, John W. Asher, became a Camden fire fighter in 1977. His father, Walter Asher, last a resident of Clementon, New Jersey, died in 1983. James Asher passed away in Deptford, New Jersey on May 31, 2003, survived by his wife, five children, and a host of other relatives and friends.
James R. Asher’s uncle J. James “Big Jim” Hainsworth was also politically active. He served as Camden County sheriff for two terms and held many other posts over his long career. First cousin Joseph C. Hainsworth served with the Camden Police Department from 1954 to 1985, and first cousin J. James “Jim” Hainsworth was also politically active.
Firemen Here Get Advanced First Aid Course
Camden Courier-Post —
More than 40 members of the Camden Fire Department have completed the Red Cross course in advanced first aid according to announcement today by Howard F. Keller, Collingswood, chairman of the Camden County Chapter’s first aid committee.
Instruction sessions were under the direction of Fire Chief William V. Pfefferle, Drillmaster Anthony Dzinski, a member of the local chapter first aid group, assisted by Nicholas E. George, were instructors. Dzinski is a member of the Red Cross faculty at the National Aquatic School held in this area each year for instruction in advance safety techniques. Dick Harris, director of Red Cross safety services, supervised.
All members of the graduating class are personnel of several units housed at fire department headquarters here. These include the Headquarters Company, Engine Company 2, Rescue Squad 1 and truck company 1. these groups include:
Rescue Squad: Captains Arthur Batten, Philip A. Stinger and Albert Weller; Edward Brendlinger, Harrison MacNeir, Robert Olesiewicz and James W. Smith.
Headquarters Company: Raymond Banford, John K. Voll and John W. Yates.
Truck Company 1: Captains Daniel Jiannetto, Robert E. Dukes and Otto V. Kaiser; William Watkin, Chester Gedrich, George Baxter, John Mogck, George C. Hennessy, Charles Devlin, Ambrose W. Faust, Joseph McTaggart, Howard R. Taggart, William G. Winstanley and Elmer Johnson Jr.
Engine Company 2: Captains James R. Asher, Thomas Winstanley; Carl Wirtz, James McGrory, Edwin V. Decker, James Stewart, Francis X. McTaggart, Anthony T. Orme, Mario D. Fattore, James O. Jones, Francis P. Stibi, William Hopkins, Robert E. Briggs, John Giuliano, Casper Martelli, Harold H. Pike, John J. Vane, William Stibi, John DiMaggio and Harry Kleinfelder.
Veterans Boxing Association Ring 6 — 11th Annual Banquet
Camden —
Dick Graminga, Charles Humes and Tony Georgette—Managers
Eddie Prince, Lew Sparks and Jack Blackburn—Trainers
Joseph Grochowski • Al Bunker • Ed Kaszycki • Andy Friday • John Skiba • John Dombrowski • Walter Szalanski • Nick Pawlak • Wm. O’Brien • Bill Neil • Wm. Schultz • Tom Scarduzio • Peter Paull • Barney Tracey • Dave Hainsworth • Walter Zimolong • Edward Shapiro • Thomas McLaughlin • John Opfer
Joey Powell’s Well-Wishers — Also Extend Best Wishes To
Sergeant Ray Smith • Vallie Francesconi • Tom Ryan • Leon Lucas • Jesse Urban • Bobbie Zimmerman • Joe (Kid) Murphy • Pee Wee Wilson • Jackie Gleason • Joe Vitarelli • Al Daley • Frankie Youker • Joe McEvoy • Frank Valenti • Jim McFadden • Charles Bauer • George Ballantine • James O’Neill • Dorothy Dougherty • Agnes McHenry • Vicky Dangler • Francis Souders • Loretta and Reds • Bart • Roger Cotton • Leon McCarthy • Kenneth Geitz • Joe Daubman • Norman Jacobson • Nick Colofrancisco • Chris Rago • Charles Myers • Ray Cohand • Paul Harduk • Charles Wells • Carl Stolinski • Walter Wilson • Steve Straub • Charley Kmiec • Jimmy Tyler • Joe Dorfy • William Vogel • John Campbell • Steve O’Keefe • Sam Laird • Ed Rickter • Don Cragin • John Odorisio • Michael Przywara • Walter Paleszewski • Watson Burdalski • Stanley Snajkowski • Frank Drabik • John P. Kawczak • Frank Kulesa • Steve Kirby • James R. Asher • Polack Tony • Stephen Yakopczyna • Helen and Chick • Don Wilson • James Monaghan • George Carr • Bill Jentsch • John Greenan • Charles Galasso • Don’s Barber Shop • Joe Shaw • Ben Gutowski • Tom Bristow • Joseph Stelmach • Leon Hood • George Saunders • Mike Borman • Anthony Cirelli • Bob Hardy • Frank Hardy • Benny DePalma • Frank Padulla • Mike Yack • Stanley Powell • George Kroecker • A Friend • The Fox • Tom Fish
Firemen Oppose Ending Job
Camden Courier-Post —
Three organizations, representing 90 per cent of Camden’s 250 firemen, strongly protested the proposed abolition of the director of public safety to city council last night.
James R. Asher, battalion chief and president of Local 788 of the International Association of Firefighters, AFL-CIO, said firemen fear the division of the fire and police departments might result in a lack of protection for firemen during periods of civil strife.
He added that many firemen also feel that a disparity will result between the salaries and working conditions of policemen and themselves.
Have Common Boss
“If we have trouble in the streets and the chief of police, whoever he may be, decides he can’t spare officers to accompany firemen during alarms, we’ll be out there by ourselves,” Asher said.
He added, “We don’t want to be victims of this because as it stands now the chief of police and chief of the fire department are answerable to a common director.”
Chief of Police Harold Melleby is now acting director of public safety. He has proposed, in accordance with a recently-completed police department study, that the position of director be abolished and replaced with separate chiefs answerable to the mayor.
Not Included
Commenting on the survey report, Asher said it did not include the fire department and noted the recommendations only apply to the police department.
He said the proposal that police salaries be increased by at least $1,000 could result in a disparity with firemen’s salaries. Presently both make a base salary of $8,300.
Leon Puszczykowski, president of the Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association, said abolishing the directorship “could put us in a very uncomfortable seat.”
Asher noted the purpose of the closed-door session was to inform council of the “seriousness of the problem.” He added that
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Firemen Oppose Ending Job — Continued from Page One
Spencer H. Smith Jr., president of the Police and Fire Association of Camden, could not attend due to ill health.
Council president Mrs. Elizabeth Hawk said she had no comment on the meeting. She said a meeting will be held with Mayor Alfred R. Pierce before any action is taken by council. Council recently met with Melleby.
John Marini, councilman, said he supports the police department “100 per cent” but noted that this does not necessarily reflect council’s view.
It was his belief the city should back its police force and law enforcement agencies. He said he could see no real problem that would be caused by abolishing the public safety director.
Chief James Asher, 1st Battalion
Spring 1966
Chief James Asher, 1st Battalion, directs movement of a big line at a Second Alarm fire at the Giordano Waste Material Company junkyard that had spread to a commercial building at South 2nd and Line Streets — Spring 1966
1971 I.A.F.F. Convention Banquet
Three Camden Couples — Front to back: Mr. & Mrs. Bobby Welch, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Bain, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Asher
Camden Division of Fire Personnel Record
Camden Division of Fire personnel record — James R. Asher, Badge No. 114, appointed March 31, 1947
Obituary — James R. Asher Sr.
Camden Courier-Post —
ASHER, JAMES R., SR. On May 31, 2003, of Camden. Age 79. Helen M. (nee Surowiec)’s beloved husband of 57 years. Devoted father of Janet A. Chance, Joyce H. Kaminski (Arthur), Judith M. Miloszewski (Thomas), John W. Asher and James R. Asher, Jr. (Maryann). Proud grandfather of Jenny, Randy, John, Jimmy, Joey, Jeffrey, Mandy (Mark), Stanley and Nicholas. Loving great grandfather of Natalia and Brielle.
Mr. Asher retired from the Camden City Fire Department, the International Association of Firefighters and FEMA, and a member of the NJ State Retired Police and Firefighters Association. He is a Navy Veteran of WWII and the Korean Conflict, was a lifetime member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars and of the Disabled American Veterans.
Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 11am at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE, 126 S. Black Horse Pike, Runnemede. Funeral Service 11am, Wednesday, at the Funeral Home. Int. St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Chews Landing.
Obituary — Helen M. Asher
Camden Courier-Post —
ASHER, HELEN M. (nee Surowiec), peacefully passed away on August 29, 2008, of Camden. Age 82. Beloved wife of the late James R. Asher, Sr. Devoted mother of James R., Jr. (Maryann), John (Patricia), Judith Miloszewski (Tom), Joyce Kaminski (Art) and Janet (Scott). Loving grandmother of John, James, Joseph, Jeffrey, Jennifer, Randy, Amanda, Stanley and Nicholas and great grandmother of Natalia, Brielle, Johnna, Cameron and Max. Dear sister of Lillian Wasko and also the late Blanche, Joseph, Jenny and Zigmund.
Services and interment are private at the request of the family.