James J. Bliss

James Joseph Bliss Sr., a long-time resident of Garden City, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2018. He was 96 years of age.   He is preceded by his wife Mary (Ronan) and parents Ella (Fitzgibbon) and John, siblings Anna, Gilbert, John and William Bliss (the latter siblings both formerly of Garden City,)  his sister Mildred  (Bliss) Stoecker,  formerly of Jamaica Estates and Somers, NY. He is survived by his children, James Jr. of Poway, California and Ann of Yaphank and his three grandchildren Caitlin, Matthew and Courtney (Thomas).

Born in Jamaica, Queens in 1921, James attended Jamaica High School, class of 1938 and graduated from Fordham University in 1942 with a degree in business. After graduation he joined the army air force and served in the North African campaign during WWII. He was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant in 1945.

After the war, James attended New York University Law School earning his JD with honors in 1948. While working as an accountant at the IRS, he met and married Mary Ronan from Yonkers. They began married life in Hollis, Queens and eventually moved to Franklin Square where their son James Jr. was born. At that time he had begun a career at the National Retailing Merchants Association. In 1965, he was promoted to President of the organization. In his role as President, he was instrumental in bringing together leaders of retail stores during the civil rights movement of the 60’s to advance equality in employment opportunities for minorities.  He also played a leading role in managing the transition of retail stores into seven-days-a-week openings.

In 1970 James left the business world to accept an opportunity as a college professor at CW Post College of Long Island University. He served as a professor of business law and marketing for 22 years until his retirement in 1992. He was known among his students for his keen intellect and ability to explain difficult legal concepts as well as his strong interest in providing career mentoring advice. James also served as a consultant to the Long Island Association in the marketing field and contributed to several law texts in the area of contracts. He also authored several journal articles.  During this time he also cared for his wife of 42 years who was disabled from the effects of multiple sclerosis. He became a vocal advocate for the Americans with Disabilities Act by encouraging local businesses to update their facilities to accommodate wheelchairs. He continued this advocacy role until Mary’s death in 1992.

James lived a long life of faith and Christian duty in the path of Our Lord. He was a longtime parishioner at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church where he was a member of the Holy Name Society and the Nocturnal Adoration Society. Later he was a faithful attendant at Our Lady of Victory Church. His character of kindness and generosity was reflected as a generous benefactor at St. Francis Hospital and his charitable contributions to the Catholic Diocese in Nome Alaska  and  among many others that support the mission of Christ including the seminaries and convents around the country. His was a life well-lived – as a Christian, family patriarch, teacher and caregiver. 

In lieu of flowers the Bliss family would appreciate donations to:

Knome Radio Station www.knom.org

The work of Sister Mary Sebastien Schmidt  Sisters of Notre Dame Covington Province– www.sndky.org

National MS Society – www.nationalmssociety.org

National Right to Life Committee – www.nrlc.org

St. Annes Church- www.st.annesgc.org

Our Lady of Victory Church-  www.olvpny.org