Obituary of James Fredrick Coldren

J. Fred Coldren, 70, of Cape May passed away at home on Wednesday, January 29, 2014. He was born in Emporia, KS to the late Olive Jackson Coldren and John Donald Coldren. A dedicated public servant, his five-decade career began as a reporter for the Wildwood Leader, Seven Mile Beach Reporter, and the Atlantic City Press; followed by a stint as the Editor for the Cape May County Herald ('69-'70). His transition to government started as the Special Assistant, Press & Legislative Aide to U.S. Congressman Charles W. Sandman, Jr. (2nd Dist. NJ) during which time he also served as Executive Director of NJ Republican State Committee ('73-'74) and a Delegate at the National GOP Convention in 1976. Most notably, Fred served as the City Manager of the City of Cape May for fifteen years ('80-'95) where he lead the efforts to have the city designated as a National Historic Landmark and presided over a full restoration of the Cape May Beaches. As the longest tenured manager in the City's history, he was honored for public service by a Joint Resolution of the NJ Legislature ('95) and the NJ Governor ('96). He continued his work in the public sector as an Administrator for the Borough of Stone Harbor ('97-'00) and as the lead Business Manager for the Cape May-Lewews Ferry ('01-'11). Following his retirement in 2011, he continued working with many local municipalities as an Independant Hearing Officer and Management Consultant. In addition to his professional career, Fred was active in Boy Scouting for more than 60 years where he served as the Chairman, Baysea District, Southern New Jersey Council ('94-'97). He was also an Executive Board Member of the Historic Cold Spring Village Foudation as well as the Founder and First President of United Way of Cape May County ('78-'80). He also served as the National Chairman, Advisory Committee to the Urban Mass Transportation Administration,. U.S. Dept. of Transportation ('83-'86 appointed by U.S. Secretary of Transportation). He is survived by his wife of 49 years Diane Lafferty Coldren, his children: Jeffrey Coldren, Jill Fegley, Jay Coldren, Jen Warren, and eight grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to a remembrance at his home on Sunday, February 2nd from 1-4 PM.