James J. Covert

James Jay Covert, 66, of Califon, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025 following a courageous battle with leukemia. In his final days, he was surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born October 2, 1958 in Somerville, New Jersey, the son of Theodore and Josephine (Wilczek) Covert. He graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1976. He worked for many years as an accomplished salesperson for lumber and building supply companies, including 24 years at Columbia Lumber & Home Center in Hillsborough, and most recently at Huston Lumber & Supply Co. in Oldwick. He was exceptionally hardworking and cherished the relationships he built with his customers, vendors, and colleagues throughout his career.
Jim loved spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and he often reminisced about memorable hunting excursions in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Michigan alongside family and friends. In the past decade, he took annual vacations to the Outer Banks in North Carolina, where his ocean fishing charters-which he often enjoyed with his daughters-yielded him many bountiful catches. Jim also enjoyed racing and was a dedicated crew member for many years. In his early racing days, he devoted much time to Covert & Wilczek Racing, often racing at Flemington Speedway. More recently, he was crew chief for Mike Hendershot and led their team through many races at New Egypt Speedway.
Those closest to Jim remember him as a devoted and thoughtful father who had a quiet way of leading by example. It is impossible to list the countless ways he supported his daughters throughout the years. His gentle spirit and steady presence will be deeply missed, but he leaves behind a legacy of resilience, courage, and humility.
Remaining to cherish Jim's memory are his daughters, Melinda Covert and Jessica (Cooper) Covert; stepdaughter Veronica (Robert) Migliaccio; step-grandchildren, Natalia, Ariana, Giuliana, and Dominic Migliaccio; siblings, Bob (Joyce) Covert, Sharon (Pete) Demers, and Kevin (Cathy) Covert; and many nieces, nephews, and great friends. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 15 at 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Gleason Funeral Home in Somerset, NJ. A funeral service will follow on Wednesday, April 16 at 10:30am. Jim's final resting place will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Somerset, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105 or at https://www.stjude.org.