James Martin Palaia, “Jamie,” beloved husband, father & son, left us to be in heaven unexpectedly, on May 14, 2020, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born to Martin George Palaia & Susan Mae (Olmstead) Palaia on August 24, 1971 in Bristol, Connecticut.
Jamie graduated from Bristol Central High School in 1989 where he was both on the Track & Field and Cross-Country teams. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served his country proudly in the 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group. During his enlistment, Jamie was deployed to fulfill his duties in Desert Storm. He was honorably discharged in 1993. Jamie then satisfied his dream to attend the University of Connecticut where he acquired his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1997.
Upon graduating, he was employed by CB Richard Ellis as a commercial real estate appraiser for five years, where he met the love of his life, Theresa Wdowiarz. Since Jamie was a young boy watching the famous TV sitcom CHiPs, he always knew he wanted to become a law enforcement officer. He pursued this life-long dream and was later hired by Berlin Police Department in Connecticut in 2001, where he served the Town of Berlin for five years. An opportunity to move out west and work for Colorado Springs Police Springs Department arose in 2007. Jamie proudly served the City as a Patrol Officer, Police Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Motor Officer & School Resource Officer for 13 years.
Jamie was a dedicated father to his three children and loving husband to his wife of twenty years. He was a huge sports fan. His favorite sports teams were the New York Yankees, New York Mets, New York Giants, and of course, UCONN Huskies Men’s Basketball. In his free time, he enjoyed taking his family to Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies games. He especially loved to go dirt biking with his son and occasionally his daughter. He also coached his son’s baseball teams from the time his son was a rookie in the High Plains Little League to travel ball for the Majestic Baseball organization where he fully enjoyed watching his son grow into becoming an amazing pitcher.
He leaves behind his wife, Theresa Maria (Wdowiarz) Palaia, three beautiful children, daughters; Olivia – 18, Riley – 15 & son Tyler – 10. He is also survived by his parents, Martin George Palaia and Susan Mae Palaia. He is the younger brother of sister, Traci Marie (Palaia) Alves, has a brother-in-law, Robert Alves & nephews Joshua and Justin Alves. He also leaves behind plentiful nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, sister-in-law, mother-in-law and friends.
In lieu flowers, the family will announce, at a later date, an opportunity to remember and honor his selfless life as a family man & dedicated Police Officer.
A public Celebration of Life with Honors will be held at a later date, with inurnment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery.
