James Walker Guest

Southington-James Walker Guest, 83, a longtime resident of Southington and son of the late George A. and Edith (Walker) Guest who were of Bridgeport, died peacefully in the comfort of his home with loved ones by his side on Saturday, March 24. He was born May 16, 1928 and raised in Bridgeport. Jim served his country as a member of the U. S. Army, stationed in Fussen Germany during WWII. He was a sergeant serving in the medical detachment of the 70th field artillery Battalion. While serving in Germany he met and married his late wife Gisele (Vago) Guest of Budapest, Hungary of whom he was a devoted husband of 50 years. After returning from Germany, he started his career delivering caskets for a local distributor. On a handshake, he began his career with M. Solomon Casket Company. He moved the family to Southington where he settled roots. He was instrumental in the creation of the CT branch of the company in which he found tremendous personal and professional satisfaction in his work as manager, and vice president for over 53 years. He spent endless hours on the road building friendships, answering calls 24/7, and occasionally hauling one of his children along with him on holiday deliveries. He enjoyed his calls to customers whom he considered truly dear friends. He was a longtime member of the St. Aloysius Church of which he cared deeply for and a proud member of the Southington Kiwanis Club for over 50 years.

In addition to his career, he had a long time passion for the family cottage in the Berkshires. He found true relaxation there as he built the cottage with the help of his children. Many Sunday afternoons were spent skiing, swimming, and sailing out on the lake.

Along with his work at Solomon, Jim worked closely with his son David during the growth of his local business. Many winter nights were spent out with the plow truck. Jim loved gardening and finding joy in raising his own produce. His work with Kiwanis brought him delight; the Apple Harvest Booths, the bed race, and selling peanuts. He loved spending time with his family, traveling to see them later in life.

Jim and his late wife had six children. He is predeceased by their twin girls, Alice and Bonnie. He leaves behind his daughter, Megan G. Chadbourne, (Robert) of Palmyra, ME., his son Bill Guest, (Wanda) of Byron Center, MI., his son David Guest Sr. (Taffy) of Southington, and his daughter, Laura G. Bissell, (Victor) of Palmyra, ME. They were blessed with twelve grandchildren; Melissa Walker Brautigam of Levant, ME., Benjamin Walker Davis of Palmyra, ME., Hannah Walker Davis of El Paso, TX., Noah Walker Davis, HN, U.S. NAVY, Elijah Walker Davis of Palmyra, ME., James Guest of Oakland, CA., Becky Bicksler of Chaing Mai, Thailand, Kate Guest of Irvine, CA., David Jr., Nicole, and Jonathan Guest of Southington, Samantha Bissell of Palmyra, ME., and two great-grandchildren; Eliana and Benjamin Bicksler of Thailand along with their extended families.

Jim in addition leaves behind his sister, Barbara, his niece, Edith, and his great-nephew, Andrew Cook all of Spartanburg, NC.

Jim as well leaves behind his dear friend of nine years, Lucille Perry of Southington. He will be missed by her children, Mark, Susan, Robin, and Eric along with their family and dear friends.

Jim was a man of sophistication and grace, his heart touching all that knew him. We are so much richer because he chose to share his life and talents with us, and poorer for his passing.

Jim?s funeral will be held Saturday 10:15 a.m. at DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Aloysius Church, 254 Burritt St. Plantsville at 11 a.m. Friends may call on Friday from 3p.m. to 8p.m. Jim will be laid to rest with military honors at St. Thomas Cemetery.

In addition to flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Southington Kiwanis Club Scholarship Fund c/o Malcolm MacKay, 72 Cambride Dr., Southington, CT, 06489.