May 8, 2021
By: Colin McCormick
Revised by: Tyler Eckel
WEST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP (MERCER)– Hundreds gathered in West Windsor Township today to attend the funeral for Mercer County Fire Marshal Jim Greschak. Mr. Greschak passed away on May 2, 2021, after being diagnosed with Mesothelioma in January.
Greschak graduated from Mercer County Community College with an associates degree in Fire Science. Greschak gave lots of time to the fire service throughout his life. He joined West Windsor Fire Co. 1 in 1970, eventually serving as the rank of Captain for some time. Jim stayed in close contact with West Windsor Fire Co. 1 for over 50 years until his passing.
In 1977, Greschak had begun employment with the State of New Jersey as a fire inspector, later being appointed the rank of 2nd Assistant Fire Marshal of Mercer County in 1983. In 1992 Greschak became the 1st Assistant Fire Marshal. He took over as the Chief Fire Marshal in 2015, until his passing in May of 2021.
Greschak was a member of many myriad committees, associations, and programs. He was a charter member of the Twin W Volunteer First aid squad, and a founding member of the Mercer County Fire Protection and Prevention Association. More recently, he was closely involved with the department of Youth Fire Setters and Fire Safety for Older Adults Program. Greschak served as president of the State Association of County Fire Marshals, Secretary of West Windsor Township Fireman’s Relief Association, and was a member of the Mercer County Chiefs Association.
Through his times of fire department service, Greschak was always there and ready to help new members of the fire department with skills, knowledge, and the little things new members needed help with. He encouraged many people whether they were in the fire department, joining, or even just ordinary people.
Greschak also liked to stay close to his church. He served as a Eucharistic minister, volunteered as a teacher in the parish religious education program, and had also been a Knight of the 4th degree with the Knights of Columbus.
Greschak was a busy man but never forgot to leave time out for some of his favorite leisure activities, including skiing, deep sea fishing, and hunting. He really enjoyed watching stock car races at the local race tracks and collecting friends almost anywhere he went. On top, Greschak never enjoyed anything more than spending time with his friends and family. Jim Greschak was a kind, caring, generous, and funny soul that left a permanent mark on anyone and everyone he met. Jim was, as some would say, “the light of the party!” Jim was a brother, father, grandfather, and a friend, who treated nobody differently. Mr. Greschak is survived by his parents, sisters, daughters, and his grand daughters. His death was a strong emotional time nobody was ready for, and will be mourned by many.
Fire Marshal Jimmy Greshack, may you rest in peace sir. You will be missed by many and all. We’ll take it from here.
Firefighters held a parade of support on April 30, 2021 for Greshack and his family
Photos by Colin McCormick
