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Theodore Andrew Ham, 81, a longtime resident of Lavallette, NJ, passed away on February 2, 2024, in Fernandina Beach, FL, surrounded by the love and compassion of his daughters.
Born in Newark, NJ, Theodore (Ted) spent his childhood in Roselle Park and Lavallette, NJ. He graduated from Roselle Park High School and attended Rider College prior to joining the United States Coast Guard where he was stationed in San Luis Obispo, CA, Maui, HI, and Pensacola, FL. A proud Coastie through and through, Ted often reflected on his time aboard USCG Cutter Cape Rosier, a search and rescue boat in Maalaea Harbor, Maui, HI, as the “best duty ever.” His smile was never brighter than when he shared stories about being aboard the Cutter, the breathtaking beauty of the islands, and the deep blue soul of the Pacific – affectionately referring to them as the “glory days.” The Coast Guard’s motto, Semper Paratus, means “Always Ready” and Ted embodied this in everything he did.
After his Honorable Discharge from the Coast Guard, he returned to New Jersey and began working as a lineman for Jersey Central Power and Light. He loved to tell stories of climbing power poles in the rain, snow, and sleet with little more than spikes on his shoes – long before bucket trucks were the norm. Passionate about power generation, he continually accepted greater leadership roles and remained with JCP&L for over 30 years before retiring in 1996. His work ethic was unmatched, and he was always ready to keep the power on in the state of NJ.
Lavallette, NJ is where Ted was truly home. An active and integrated member of this tight-knit shore town, he was a dedicated member of the Lavallette Volunteer Fire Department and Lavallette Volunteer First Aid Squad, always ready to help any of his neighbors in need.
Surrounded by water, Lavallette is a special place and Ted’s saltwater soul flourished by spending his free time surf fishing and bodysurfing on President Ave. and Island Beach State Park, and gliding over the Barnegat Bay in his Boston Whaler with his family – going fishing, clamming, crabbing, water skiing, knee boarding – or simply cruising to the Barnegat Lighthouse or taking in a stunning sunset.
After retiring to Florida in 1996, Ted kept busy restoring boats and refurbishing teak to its natural glory. He even briefly went back to work in power generation, traveling the country on short assignments to ensure the lights came on once again. He was truly committed to his craft and was always ready for his next adventure.
Ted also loved exploring Mother Nature’s beauty and took breathtaking nature photographs in favorite spots like Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach. Frogs, hawks, butterflies, alligators, otters, flowers, spiders, and trees seemed to always be showing off for him – and his “fleet of eye” (as he liked to refer to it) changed the way his loved ones saw the world. He was always ready with his camera, always ready to find beauty in uncommon places.
Ted’s appreciation for nature and the sea will continue in those who loved him the most. He lived simply, loved big, and leaves a legacy that inspires an appreciation for the simplest of things.
Ted is predeceased by his son, Theodore Andrew Ham II; his mother, Teresa (Tessie) Ham and father, Jacob Ham. He is survived by his two daughters, Bonnie (Ham) Aguiar and Sarah Ham; his wife, Carolyn Ham; his sister, Veronica (Ham) Matthaei; three nephews, Robert (Bob) Burke, William Matthaei II, and Christopher Matthaei; three grandchildren, Skyler Aguiar, Camryn Aguiar, and Nicolas Ham; and many friends and original Lavallette locals who appreciated his caring heart, commitment to the community, and his sense of humor.
Ted will be honored by the United States Coast Guard with a burial at sea. Rest easy, Ted. On fair winds and following seas. We weren’t ready for you to go, but you’re always in our hearts. Your spirit lives on in the salt air forever, wherever it may go.
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