Bruce Joseph James, 75, of Clifton passed away on August 27, 2026. Born in Boston, MA, he has been a resident of Clifton for many years. Bruce was a caseworker for the Passaic County Board of Social Services for over 25 years and served as a Passaic County Commissioner for over 20 years.

Bruce had been a highly respected supervisor and union leader at the Passaic County Board of Social Services before entering politics as a candidate for freeholder – the original title of what is now county commissioner – in 2005. He was re-elected in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2023.

A longtime friend, Passaic County Democratic Chairman John Currie, said that Bruce had “spent his life fighting for working people, for struggling families, and for those who too often did not have someone in their corner.”

“Bruce was a loyal friend, a proud Democrat, and someone we could always count on when things got difficult. He was also an important part of the success of our Passaic County Democratic family,” stated Currie. “Bruce James devoted his life to helping others. We will miss his voice and his friendship, but the difference he made in the lives of so many people will not be forgotten.”

Beyond his public persona, Bruce was a real family man, who's loving reach and steadfast caring will live on forever in the hearts of the ones who loved him.

Bruce is survived by his brother, Stephen James, of New Port Richey, FL, and many cousins.

Funeral services were private under the direction of the Shook Funeral Home, Clifton.

If desired, donations made in Bruce’s memory to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.StJude.org, would be greatly appreciated.