James J. Devine - Youth

Youth

Perhaps to compensate for the loss of his father, a big part of his childhood was dedicated to Scouting. Devine belonged to Cub Scout Pack 316 at Madison-Monroe School #16, where he earned ranks of Bobcat, Wolf, Bear and Webelos. He was also awarded the "Arrow of Light" the highest honor in Cub Scouting.

Devine joined Boy Scout Troop 8, based at Trinity Episcopal Church in Elizabeth, where he worked his way along the 'Eagle Trail' quickly. Within his first year as a scout, Devine had earned more than 20 merit badges. He was employed on the camp staff at Winnebago Scout Reservation in 1977 and 1979. Devine distinguished himself in Scouting by earning an array of awards, including each successive rank from 'Scout' to 'Eagle' plus honors as Troop Scribe, Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. He was among the first recipients of the World Conservation Award.

As an adult, Devine served as Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 28, under longtime Scoutmaster Thomas Cashman, at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Elizabeth.

Another early influence in his life was Devine's study of martial arts. As a sixth grade student, he began learning Karate and Judo at Jerome Mackey's Elizabeth dojo. As years passed, Master Kenny Chin converted that Broad Street location to a Wu Shu Kung Fu studio, and Devine's practice adapted with the times.