James E. Coley III, 92, Husband of the late Patricia A. Coley of Clinton Ct. and late sister Nancy R. Coley of Westport Ct., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 18th, 2021 at Middlesex Hospital, Middletown, Ct. James was born at Yale New Haven Hospital on December 28th, 1928 to the late James E. Coley II & Kathleen A. Coley. He previously resided in Westport Ct. before settling in Clinton, Ct. He attended Staples High School in Westport, Ct. and graduated from Admiral Billard Academy, New London, Ct. He attended Nichols College in Dudley, Ma. where he was the manager of the basketball team, and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Business.
Growing up he was an Eagle Scout and earned a Bronze Palm and an Order of the Arrow merit. He continued his involvement in scouting and became a Sea Scout leader for 10 years. James developed an appreciation and passion for boating early on that carried on into adulthood. He was thrilled to share this passion with the love of his life, Patricia Coley, that he went on to marry. James enjoyed sailing and cruising Long Island Sound with his family, spending weeklong vacations at sea.
During the years of 1954 - 1955 he served as a dedicated Specialist 4th class in the United States Army, and served in the Korean War for 19 months and earned the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.
Upon military discharge, James returned to his wife and their new home. He then became the proud father of four sons: Andrew, Thomas, Michael, and Christopher. They later settled into a new home in Clinton, Ct. where he became a respected member of local community and organizations. As a longtime contributing member of The United States Power Squadrons, he held the rank of Junior Navigator and achieved 45 merit marks in the distinguished annual service for the organization. He was also an active member in the Clinton VFW Post 9918, a long time member and supporter of the Mystic Seaport, the oldest past commodore and life member the Hamburg Cove Yacht Club in Lyme, Ct., and also a member of the Holy Advent Episcopal Church in Clinton, Ct.
James will be dearly missed by the family he leaves behind; Andrew F. and Jennifer of Westbrook, Thomas P., wife Bonnie and grandchildren Melissa & Heather of Clinton, Ct., Michael J., wife Heather and grandchildren Collin & Calista of Vernon, Ct., Christopher J. and Liana of East Lyme, Ct. and grandchildren Trevor & Patrick and their mother Holly.
Funeral services will begin with calling hours at the Swan Funeral Home in Clinton, Ct. on May 24th, 2021 from 10 am to 12:30 PM, followed by a Service of Remembrance at the Indian River Cemetery, Cemetery Rd. Clinton, Ct. at 1 PM, with a reception at the Westbrook Elks Lodge, 142 Seaside Ave. Westbrook, Ct. 06498 at 1:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to the Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, Ct. 06355 or Middlesex Hospital, 28 Crescent St. Middletown, Ct. 06457
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