Obituary of James "Timba" Semerad

James "Timba" Semerad passed away on February 27th, 2025 at the age of 73. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Caroline, his brother Bob, and his granddaughter, Summer. He is survived by his wife Susan, his sons Jim with wife Lauren, Bob with wife Gina, beloved younger brother, John, with nephew and niece John and Taryn, sister-in-law Terry and nephew John with wife Allyson, and grandchildren Jack "Timba", Andy, Arlo, Phoenix, and Cambria, along with many very close friends. Jim was born and raised in Staten Island, NY. He attended Monsignor Farrell High School, Class of 1969 followed by Staten Island Community College. Jim served in the Army Reserve from 1971 to 1977. In his younger years, Jim worked numerous odds and ends jobs throughout Staten Island and the Jersey Shore before joining the New York City Police Department. He entered the police academy in 1973 and was first assigned to the 62nd precinct in Brooklyn. In 1974, he met the love of his life, Susan, who would become his wife when they married on September 2, 1979. His assignments in the NYPD include working in Midtown South, the Street Crime Unit, Narcotics, Brooklyn South, and eventually becoming a Detective and retiring out of the Staten Island District Attorney's Squad. He was a member of the NYPD Honor Legion, Holy Name Society, and the Emerald Society. He won numerous citations and awards throughout his career most notably the Medal of Honor, Police Combat Cross, Medal for Valor and a PBA Cop of the Year. Although he was very modest about this, Jim was one of the most decorated officers ever in the NYPD. Throughout his career with the NYPD, he built strong relationships that lasted forever with several of his partners and of course the DA Squad. Jim enjoyed playing on various softball teams amongst his precincts and assignments. Following his time with the NYPD, he worked as Security Director at Paramount Group in Manhattan. During his time at Paramount Group, he worked amongst several life-long friends. Jim had a deep love for his wife Susan. Mostly he treasured their time together with Jimmy and Bobby at their many sports games, going to many baseball games along the East Coast on vacations, and their eventual retirement to Fort Myers. He enjoyed vacations with his family to their second home in Fort Myers along with a memorable trip with Sue to Ireland and previous trips before then to visit his brother Bob and wife Terry in Hawaii. He frequently vacationed with his family to Cape Cod, the Outer Banks, Disney with his grandchildren, along with Virginia Beach and Ocean City, Maryland with his many friends. Family was always the center of Jim's world. He loved visits with his older Bob before he eventually passed. He loved watching his brother John play baseball and basketball from an early age before enjoying watching John compete in college and various high levels of competition. Some of his most cherished memories were rounds of golf with Bob and John. Jim coached many of his son's sports teams during their childhood. Jimmy and Bob eventually became a big part of Jim's golf world, as well as his nephew Johnny. Although he didn't see them as much as he liked, Jim felt very strongly about what his sister-in-law Terry brought into his brother Bob's life, and their son John. If you are having a tough time keeping up with the Semerads, they really love the names Jim, John, and Bob. Jim also shared a special spot for his lone niece, Taryn. During many visits with Taryn during her childhood, she would do his nails, but only his toes because he didn't want anyone to see. Timba thought very highly of the young men and women that his nephew and nieces John, John and Taryn were and are becoming. In 2014, Timba was blessed with his first grandchild, Summer, Bob and Gina's daughter. Although she eventually passed away at 2 years old, Grandpa Timba and Summer shared an unbreakable bond to this day. Timba would make daily trips to his hospital during Summer's battle with cancer. Their vacation to Disney toward the latter part of Summer's life was a trip we all speak about to this day. Summer was followed by Jack whose middle name he wears proudly as "Timba". Grandpa Timba also enjoyed telling everyone Jack's middle name. Jack and Grandpa also shared a very special bond as Jack would always slowly walk alongside Grandpa's scooter in Disney holding hands despite any crowds. Jack was followed by Andy. Grandpa Timba loved Andy who always enjoyed climbing on Grandpa's lap despite his strong Semerad genes in the size department. Specifically, Grandpa's special chair was a very important part of their time together. Timba's older son, Jim with his Lauren, brought him Arlo, Phoenix and Cambria. Arlo, like Timba's other grandchildren, found a special spot on his grandpa's lap. Grandpa Timba also enjoyed Phoenix and Cambria's trips to visit him and Grammy. Timba shared a special and unique bond with all his grandchildren. Timba loved his daughters-in-law, Gina and Lauren, and the joy they brought into his sons' lives. Jim also had a strong relationship with his mother-in-law Margaret ("Mom") and his father-in-law Fred before he passed. He also deeply cherished his time with brother-in-law Steve and wife Marianne, as well as nieces Maggie, Katie, Kellye, Maureen, and their families. Socially, Timba enjoyed going to baseball games with his family and friends, his endless rounds of golf, and mostly any card games he could find, specifically rounds after golf and his poker nights in Ft. Myers. He also had a passion for photography and his boat "Sweet Summer Girl". In 2024, Jim became the critically acclaimed author of "Timba's Tales". Over the past 9 years, Timba worked tirelessly to raise money and awareness in the fight against childhood cancer. He was incredibly proud of the funds raised through the Semerad annual Summer Strong golf outing. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in the fight against pediatric cancer. Donations made through the following website are in memory of Jim's granddaughter, Summer. Summerstrong.org