James R. Sentell

July 30, 1944 - August 15, 2020

James R. Sentell (Jim) on August 15, 2020 of Deptford. Age 76. Husband of Donna M. Sentell (nee DeMarshall). Father of James Scott Sentell of Sewell, Christopher Kevin Sentell of Vincentown and Rebecca Sentell (Joe) of Mt. Laurel. Brother of Regina Sentell of Texas. Grandfather of Christopher, Ashley and Justine. Jim served Deptford Twp. Police Department his entire career, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant. He was always active in the Police Academy since its inception in 1988 and coordinated many programs over the years. After retiring from Deptford, Jim was the logical choice to join the academy as its full-time training coordinator and came on board permanently in 2003, serving until his passing. He coordinated the academy’s Special Officer II program’s last 17 classes and was an integral part of the careers of hundreds of recruits. His favorite in-service classes were Methods of Instruction (MOI) as mentioned above and Crime Prevention, as he served as Deptford Township’s Crime Prevention Officer for many years. His true passion in life was teaching. He loved giving recruit orientations and often referred to a new class as “fresh meat”. There would be a sparkle and excitement in his eyes on the first day of every class. When asked what motivated him to continue to teach, he said, “I feel I still have something to offer.” His love of teaching was ever present. Jim was a U.S. Navy Veteran during the Vietnam War. When not working in law enforcement, his favorite activities included fishing and kayaking. He enjoyed teaching people fly fishing and having dinner out with his family. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing Friday, August 21, 2020, 9am to 12pm in the Chapel at BOUCHER FUNERAL HOME, 1757 Delsea Dr., Deptford. Face coverings will be required when entering the building. Funeral procession immediately following to Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown where grave side services with military honors will take place. Sign up for all local obituary notifications at: https://www.boucherfuneralhome.com/obituaries/obituary-notification