Jimmy James, Sr., age 80, longtime resident of Milford and beloved husband to Maria Besagni James, passed away on Sunday, May, 19, 2013 at the Hospital of St. Raphael’s in New Haven.
Born in Claremont, OK on March 27, 1933 to the late Maggie Hider Glass, Jimmy was proud of his heritage as a full-blood Cherokee. Fluent in his native language, he was a graduate of Chilocco Indian Agriculture School in north central OK.
He served with pride and honor in the US Air Force where he enlisted in 1956 and retired in 1982 as a Chief Master Sergeant. During his service to his country, Jimmy was a recipient of the Bronze Star during the Vietnam War and was honored in 1972 as the Outstanding Airman of the Year in Washington, DC. After his retirement from the Air Force, Jimmy worked for the VA and subsequently Yale University as a Health and Safety Coordinator.
He was an avid golfer and bowler in his spare time and also enjoyed fishing and skiing. A devoted, caring and loving husband, father and grandfather, Jimmy was very active in his children’s lives and his vacations were spent traveling the United States with his wife, Maria. His loving and generous spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, Maria of 55 years, he is survived by his three children, Jimmy James, Jr. (Marylea) of North Haven, Elisa James (Michael Flug) of New Haven and Dena-Marie James (Jason Keenan) of New Haven; daughter-in-law Margaret James of Milford; and his five cherished grandchildren, Nicholas, Andrew, Victoria, Isabella and Danielle James. Also his siblings Martha, Virginia, Luella, Patty, Leon, Billy and Bobby. He was predeceased by his son, Anthony John James and a sister, Winona.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 24th at 10:30 am (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH) at St. Mary’s Church, 70 Gulf St., Milford, CT 06460. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery with full military honors. Friends and family may call on Thursday, May 23rd from 4 to 7 pm at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. 06460. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Mary Catholic School, 72 Gulf Street, Milford, CT 06460.
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