James Taylor Foley

James Taylor Foley, 64, of Wethersfield, passed away Monday, May 15, 2017. Born in Manchester on May 26, 1952, he was the son of the late Ruth Guillan Foley and John Richard Foley. He grew up in Vernon, where he first discovered his musical passions, which were central to the rest of his life. His first love was jazz percussion, although he was knowledgeable about and pretty much loved all genres. He played bass in the musical ministry, Evidence of the Resurrection, which became one of the sustaining activities of his life, both for the ministry and for the deep supportive relationships that grew out of this group. When Jim discovered he did not want to make his living in music, he was drawn to tax preparation, due to the encouragement of his former brother-in-law, Joseph Ring, who he always considered his mentor. Jim worked hard, and achieved the IRS Enrolled Agent certification, of which he was very proud. He worked for It's Tax Time and Bruce Scotti Associates, where he found a true home for many years. Jim made friends easily and was a loyal and generous friend in return. He often brought his photographs of birds, butterflies and flowers to share. He was enthusiastic about establishing a butterfly and hummingbird garden here in Wethersfield, as long as his sister Ann, with whom he made his home, did the digging, planting and watering. Jim leaves his family, brother John Mead Foley and Jessie Furey Foley of New Hampshire and his sister, Ann Dennis Foley of Wethersfield. He loved his nieces and nephews, Jessie Foley-Dawson and Max Dawson of Massachusetts, and Anna and Kevin Simonin of California. He delighted in his great nieces and nephews and it is sad he will miss so much of their growing up. We also wanted to thank his many friends whose love and support was a great comfort to us all. We will not be able to name them all, but we are especially appreciative of his friend of 50 years, Tom Moran, and his longtime friends, Andy Zayachkiwsky and John Ruggiero.

Family and friends may call on Sunday (May 21) from 1-4 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. Burial will be Monday at 11 a.m. in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Friends who would like to attend the burial are welcome to gather at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. on Monday to process to the cemetery. Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Christmas Wish CT, 24 Cortland Way, Newington, CT 06111. To share a memory of Jim with his family, please visit www.desopo.com.