James Murray Hastings, 82, of Florida, formerly of Morris County, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.  Born in Paterson, New Jersey, James spent most of his life in Morris County before relocating to Florida in 2001. He dedicated over 30 years to the Coca-Cola Bottling Company, retiring in 2001 after a distinguished career.  James had a lifelong passion for baseball, serving as a youth coach for many years in New Jersey, where he inspired countless young players. An avid sports fan, he cheered enthusiastically for the New York Mets and Tampa Bay Rays, and was a die-hard Miami Dolphins fan. In retirement, James was an active member of Rotonda Golf and Country Club, where he played golf four times a week and helped run the Sanctuary Golf League, forging friendships on the greens that enriched his later years. James is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carol Hastings; his son, James Hastings Jr.; his daughter, Denise Hastings; four cherished grandchildren, Michael and Nicholas Farinaro, and Molly and Kelly Hastings; and one great-granddaughter, Olivia Farinaro. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Elizabeth Hastings, and his siblings, Frank and Barbara. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at a later date at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Englewood, Florida. Interment will be private at Christ the King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.  In lieu of flowers, donations in James's memory may be made to the charity of your choice or to the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Arrangements are being handled by Englewood Community Funeral Home.