James W. "Jim" Gritschke

James W. “Jim” Gritschke of Union, New Jersey, passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday, March 9, 2026. Born in Elizabeth, he grew up in Union, where he played youth sports in Union Little League and Rams Football. A 1998 graduate of Union High School, Jim was a member of the Varsity Basketball team that captured the Group 4 State Championship in 1997. He remained connected to the community as a volunteer coach for the Union Little League Challenger Baseball program, which supports children with physical challenges.

Jim began his law enforcement career with the Union County Sheriff’s Department in 2017. He graduated from the John H. Stamler Police Academy in 2022 and served as a Sheriff’s Officer, first as a court officer before transferring to the Crime Scene Unit, where he was assigned at the time of his passing. He was a proud member of the Union County Sheriff’s Office PBA Local 108.

Those who knew Jim will remember his enormous heart and his readiness to help anyone in need. His warm, infectious smile left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He is survived by his loving parents, James R. and Anna E. Gritschke, his sister Kelly Gritschke, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will also be deeply missed by his fur-nephew Gibson and by the countless friends and colleagues whose lives he touched.