James Peter Stokes, 85
James Peter Stokes of Delaware, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2021.
Peter was born in Glen Ridge, N.J. in 1936 and spent his early years in Upper Montclair, N.J. He and his wife, Susie spent many years in West Caldwell, N.J. raising their family and later in life moved to Littleton, Colo. and Pinehurst, N.C. He lived the last ten years in Delaware with cherished neighbors and friends, especially Karen and Ann whom he considered his sisters and part of the family.
He graduated Montclair High School in 1954 and went on to attend college at UNC, Chapel Hill where he received a business degree. He was a true Tar Heel through-and-through, having worked as the basketball manager with legendary coach and dear friend, Dean Smith. He had a 38-year career in textiles as an executive at Burlington Industries in New York City. His main hobby was golf, and he was outstanding. One of 100 master custom club makers in the US and a teacher of the game of golf, he won many tournaments during his 30-year membership at Montclair Golf Club. He invented the TAPS putter, selling the patent years later to a Japanese corporation and appeared on NBC with his invention.
His most proud and biggest accomplishments was being a father to his two daughters (Elizabeth and Stephanie) and an adoring husband to the love of his life, wife Susie. He was a wonderful father and gave them the best things in life: his time, his care and his love.
Peter was predeceased by his loving wife Susie of 36 years; mother, Nathalie Savage; father, James Stokes; and best friend, his dog Brody.
He leaves behind two daughters, Stephanie Stokes-Mastracchio and her husband, Joe, Elizabeth Golubic and her husband Tom; a granddaughter, Emerson Golubic who was the apple of his eye, all residing in New Jersey; a brother, Robert Stokes from Connecticut; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A private family service will be held in New Jersey in addition to a celebration of life with his friends in Delaware.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Peter's memory to Delaware Hospice at delawarehospice.org.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com