James Patrick Brennan

James P. Brennan, 74, passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. “Jim” was born on March 17, 1951, St. Patrick’s Day and he celebrated his birthday every year he could, when not at sea, with family, extended family, and friends. It was an important day and usually a great party.

Jim graduated from Southington High School in 1969 and from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1973. He spent many years working with his father in the family business, Brennan Pools, alongside his brother Tim and sister Terri, as their father gradually began his retirement. Jim had a lifelong passion for the sea and ultimately pursued his dream of a maritime career.

He attended several professional maritime courses at the prestigious Maritime Institute of Technology & Graduate Studies. Jim was a proud member of the U.S. Maritime Union Masters, Mates & Pilots for 38 years. He retired from the sea in 2017 as Captain of the Maersk Hartford, a 1,000-foot-long container ship for Maersk Line, Ltd. He became a Master Mariner in 1993 when he sailed as Captain of the MV Galveston Bay, his first ship as master. Over his 24-year career as captain, Jim commanded nine different ships. Twice, he captained vessels that were the largest U.S.-flagged container ships of their class.

Jim crossed the Atlantic Ocean over 200 times and the Pacific Ocean more than a dozen times. He transited the Suez Canal 19 times, the Panama Canal 16 times, and circumnavigated the globe in 1983–1984. He was especially proud to have mentored at least six mates who later became Ship Masters (Captains) themselves. Jim visited over 40 countries during his time at sea and always appreciated the privilege of living in the United States after witnessing life in so many different parts of the world.

When not onboard, Jim valued time with family above all else. Playing sports with and coaching his sons and later his grandsons. This brought him tremendous joy. Jim loved basketball and golf, and he was inducted into the Kings Point Hall of Fame for both sports. He especially enjoyed golf in his later years and treasured the camaraderie of friends and competitors at Timberlin Country Club. Some of his most memorable golf friendships were with his Kings Point classmates Wickboldt, Walsh, Strahl, and Rogers. Jim always appreciated Captain James Carbone, who played a pivotal role in his maritime career.

Jim is survived by his daughter Kathryn Hinckley, her husband Tim, and their beloved children Kyle, Cole, and Kennedy; his sons Patrick and Brian and Brian’s wife Samantha; his siblings Ann Marie, John and wife Sue, Timothy and wife Leslie, and Teresa Freer and husband Patrick. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife Nina, his parents Christopher and Ann (Welch) Brennan, and his older brother his “Irish twin” Christopher II (Christy). Jim was especially grateful to both his and Nina’s families, as well as Nina’s dear friends and neighbors, who supported them during Nina’s battle with cancer.

An inurnment service will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the St. Thomas Columbarium on Meriden Avenue in Southington. The DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington, has been entrusted with the arrangements.