James S. Couzens

James Secor Couzens, 98, died Sunday, October 6 at Cape Cod Hospital after a brief illness.

Born and raised in Yonkers, New York, Jim was the youngest son of Gerald Secor Couzens and Ann Pearce Couzens. He is predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Mary Toner Couzens. Jim graduated from the Horace Mann School, New York City, in 1934, and from Brown University in 1938, majoring in Economics and Engineering. In 1951 he graduated from Northeastern University with a law degree.

Following college he worked for the Central National Bank of New York. After graduating from the Naval Reserve Academy as a lieutenant in 1941 and with the outbreak of World War II, Jim was put to service as the executive officer on the Navy destroyer U.S. Trippe. In December of 1943, he was instrumental in the sinking of a German submarine off Cap Falcon, Algeria. After the war, Jim was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his "outstanding performance of duty as gunnery officer," and promoted to Commander.

Jim lived with his wife and children in Weston and Newton, MA. At Boston Edison Company for 30 years, he held many positions and retired as Clerk of the corporation in 1975. He and Mary then moved to Brewster permanently. Having a keen eye for the stock market Jim then pursued a career as a financial advisor in Boston and later on Cape Cod.

Jim loved travel, golf, opera, reading, and gardening, but his true passions were boating and fishing. He spent his summers fishing and sailing in the waters of Cape Cod Bay. During the Newport to Bermuda yacht races in the 1950's, Jim was the navigator on the yacht Gulfstream.

James is survived by his four children: Christopher Couzens of Key West Fl, Matthew Couzens of Ellington CT, Ann Couzens of Lewes DE, and Sarah Couzens Doyle of Brewster MA. His seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren called him "Pop Pop", and he loved them all. Best known for his quick wit and humor, he always referred to himself as "the Commander."

There will be a memorial visitation at the Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans MA on Sunday October 20 from 1-3 PM.

For online condolences and guest book please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.