Jim Broome, whose wig business made him a Morristown icon, has died

James L. Broome Jr., a beloved figure in Morristown’s business and civic community, passed away on July 12, 2024, at the age of 84.

He died at Morristown Medical Center from complications of a fall, his family said.

Known affectionately as Jim, he leaves a legacy woven with dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and a profound commitment to his family and customers.

Video: The voluble Jim Broome shares his wig philosophy, near retirement in 2014:

Born on Nov. 12, 1939, in Winnsboro, S.C., Jim Broome moved to New Jersey in the early 1960s with determination and just $40 to his name.

His journey epitomized the American dream, starting as a manual laborer and later seizing an opportunity that changed his life forever—a chance meeting with a wig wholesaler that sparked his entrepreneurial journey into the beauty industry.

In 1970, Broome founded Beauty Charm Co. on 88 Speedwell Ave. in Morristown. What began as a small venture grew into a cornerstone of the community over the next 44 years.

Broome and his wife Bessie transformed Beauty Charm into a place renowned for its extensive inventory of wigs, hairpieces and beauty supplies, catering to diverse needs from style preferences to medical conditions like chemotherapy and alopecia.

For a number of years, he also operated Beauty Charm stores in East Orange and Newark. He closed the Morristown store in 2014.

His business acumen was matched only by his generosity. He and Bessie supported numerous local sports groups, church fundraisers, and community initiatives, earning admiration not just for their business success but also for their contributions to the fabric of Morristown’s social life.

Proclamations for Jim & Bessie Broome, 2014. Jim comments start at the 6:30 mark:

Broome’s life was a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of community. He weathered economic shifts, cultural changes, and personal triumphs and tribulations with a steadfast spirit that inspired all who knew him. His memory will live on not only in the hearts of his family but also in the fabric of Morristown’s history.

Beyond his professional achievements, Broome was a family man of deep devotion. He is survived by his loving wife Bessie and their seven children: Chappelle Broome Stevenson, James L. Broome III, Timothy S. Broome, Cheriyce Byrd, James L. Broome IV, Allex Elam, and Lynette E. Davis.

Broome also leaves behind a legacy through his 20 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, his sister Joanna Broome, and a host of cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Services honoring Jim Broome’s life will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 10 Martin Luther King Ave. The wake is set for Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 6 p.m. The funeral follows on Thursday, July 25, with a viewing at 10 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m.