James Edward Sanders Sr.

James E. Sanders Sr. passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 12, 2016. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Lou Sanders; his children, Mary Ellen Arcarese (Vince), Karen Myrick (Scott), Gayle Connolly and James E. Sanders Jr., his grandchildren, Joseph Arcarese, Katherine Arcarese, Kayden Myrick, Zachary Connolly, James E. Sanders III and Alisha Sanders.

A lifelong resident of New Britain, Jim graduated from New Britain High School in 1953 where he played on the football and baseball teams. Jim loved his country and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps in Korea.

He spent his life volunteering, making a difference in his beloved community, and instilling pride in New Britain. He spent 32 years on the New Britain Board of Education fighting for the best for the students of this great city. He was a football coach and mentor for hundreds of young men during his 20+ years of involvement with New Britain Midget Football League. He volunteered and ran the downs markers for the New Britain High School football team for roughly 30 years and was a fixture on the sidelines cheering on the Golden Hurricanes for many more.

He enjoyed politics and remained active on the Republican Town Committee. Over his lifetime, he was involved with the Marine Corps League, the Sons of Italy, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Knights of Columbus, the local NAACP and Friends of Football. He served as a Justice of the Peace and contributed his time and talents to many other causes.

Although he had many public accomplishments, his greatest joy was his family. He loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. We will always remember the twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes, his mischievous smile, and his dry sense of humor. He taught us many things by example: have faith, stand up for what you believe in and never give up. He told us many times that he guided his life by this quote from Grantland Rice, “For when the One Great Scorer comes to mark against your name, He writes not that you won or lost but how you played the Game.”

The family would like to thank all his doctors and caregivers, especially those at Monsignor Bojnowski manor. Memorial donations can be made to Friends of Football at New Britain High School or New Britain Scholarship Fund, both at 110 Mill St., New Britain, CT 06051

Visitation will be held Friday, April 15, 2016 from 4-7pm, with the Sons of Italy ritual being held at 6pm, at the New Britain Memorial Donald D. Sagarino Funeral Home, 444 Farmington Avenue, New Britain. Funeral services will begin Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 8am with a brief gathering at the funeral home, followed by his funeral liturgy at 9am in St. Jerome Church. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, all in New Britain. For directions or online messages, please visit www.newbritainsagarino.com.