Funeral services are scheduled for July 17 and 18 in St. John Church, 169 Chestnut Street, Lakehurst, for Deacon James Gonzalez who died July 15 in his home in Whiting. He was 74.

Visitation will be held in July 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m., with a Vigil taking place at 6:30 p.m. On July 18, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m.

Born in Bergenfield, he resided in Toms River from 1971 to 2007 before moving to Whiting 11 years ago. He worked as a guidance counselor for 30 years combined for Old Bridge and then Howell Boards of Education. He also worked as a travel agent for 12 years with Stepping Out Travel in Brick.

After teaching and counseling young adults for 30 years, he then transitioned into being a spiritual director as an ordained deacon.  He had entered the Catholic faith as an adult through participation in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. He was ordained May 13, 2006, by Bishop John M. Smith and ministered in St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River, and since 2015 in St. John Parish.

Deacon Gonzalez was predeceased by his father, Jafe. He is survived by his mother Carmen Ramirez-Gonzalez of Miami, Fla.; his wife of 49 years, Johanna; a son, Jason (Caroline) of Whiting; a daughter  Jessica (David) Nelms of Manchester; a sister and five grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105 or Ronald McDonald House, 131 South Bath Ave., Long Branch, N.J. 07740.