James Joseph O'Toole

Jim was born in New York City on April 27, 1971, to Dr. James and Patricia (Boyle) O’Toole. The eldest of five children, Jim was raised in Ridgefield, CT. Having spent significant time on the Rhode Island coast and ever drawn to the ocean, he obtained his captain’s license and pursued a career in commercial fishing in New Jersey and Rhode Island, finding both adventure and peace at sea. He received a special commendation from a coastal NJ community after risking his own life to jump into frigid waters in January to save a fellow fisherman from drowning. Jim loved good music, great food, but most of all, his family and countless friends.

As the eldest child in a large family, Jim was the revered leader of the pack. His quick wit and selfless spirit were always on display. He inspired his siblings with his deep thirst for knowledge, passion for books and music, and love of animals. He also taught them how to cast a line, steer a boat, and appreciate every sunset. Jim will forever remain their much-adored big brother.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Crissy. He is survived by his sisters, Katie O’Toole and Molly Riordan, and his brother Ted. He leaves behind his brother-in-law Brian Riordan, sister-in-law Alexandra Clapes O’Toole, his dearest friend, Lorena Pelder, and his beloved cousins, Aunts, and Uncles. Jim was the loving uncle to his nieces and nephews: Ella, Max, and Lily Oudekerk, Zackary and Theodore O’Toole, Cian, Guinevere, Rowan and Torin Riordan, and Eleanore and Emma O’Toole.

Jim was a bright light who cared deeply for others and would give you the shirt off his back, or the last dollar in his pocket.

“I wanna say to my sisters and my brothers, Keep the Faith. When the storm flies and the wind blows, go on at a steady pace. Let us take our fellow man by the hand, try to help him to understand. We can all be together, forever and ever, when we make it to the promised land.”

Relatives and friends are welcome at a memorial service at Kane Funeral Home, ​​5 Catoonah St, Ridgefield, CT, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 31. Gifts in Jim’s memory can be made to the MSPCA of Cape Cod, https://www.mspca.org/adoption-centers/cape-cod-adoption-center/