Monmouth County Commissioner Lillian G. Burry was a close friend of the late James Truncer, head of the County Parks, who passed away two days ago. She received the news early in the morning Monday, President’s Day, and shared her thoughts about the natural beauty of the day and the wealth of sites Monmouth County residents can visit to recreate or relax because of Jim Truncer’s dedication and love for the County and its people. The following is her tribute to the late James Truncer.
It’s President’s Day. It’s warm and sunny and a perfect holiday for getting outside and taking the family for a walk in the park. And we have so many parks to choose from. From the beach at Seven President’s to the historic mill at Walnford there are parks within reach of everyone in Monmouth County. And I find myself thinking of our parks today because this is the day I learned Jim Truncer died.
In the history of Monmouth County many people have made important contributions but I can safely say that no one has left a greater public legacy than my dear friend Jim Truncer. Under his leadership the Monmouth County Park System attained national recognition as an agency embodying the highest standards of professionalism and public service. In these qualities it represented the virtues of the man who built this system into what it is today.
Jim was a quiet man, always polite and always professional but also unwaveringly firm in his determination to achieve and maintain the highest standards possible when it came to the public interest that he serves so proudly. I had the privilege of working closely with him for most of my years of county service and always considered it a pleasure to have him as one of the strongest leaders of our county professional family. From now on, every February, America will celebrate President’s Day. For me it will always be a day to take a walk in a county park and remember the man who made them great. To remember my friend Jim Truncer.
