James "Jim" Francis Shea

James Francis Shea, 80, of Wethersfield, set sail for the Isles of the Blest on May 30, 2025, to take his rightful place among the welcoming host of ancestral blessed souls who dwell in that land where misfortune is banished forever.

Jim was predeceased by his Irish born paternal grandparents, Denis and Margaret Hourihan Shea; his maternal grandparents, Michael and Margaret Hefferman Powers; his parents, Timothy Francis Shea and Ellen Powers Shea of East Hartford; his nephew, Michael Gary Shea of Vernon and his youngest brother, Michael Denis Shea of East Hartford.

Jim leaves to mourn his passage and marvel at his legacy of Kindness and Lifelong Faith in GOD, his dearly loved and loving wife, Brenda Brissette-Shea of Wethersfield; his brother, Gary Michael Shea; his nephew, Timothy Davis Shea and wife Erin Larkum Shea, all of West Hartford and his grandniece, Emerson Shea and grandnephew, Camden Siegel.

Jim was born in Hartford on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1945. He was raised, educated and molded in the post-war veterans, working class neighborhood of the south end of East Hartford. He grew strong and swift, knocking heads on a near daily basis in the pick-up games in the backyards and playing fields of his hometown. Jim was a 1963 graduate of East Hartford High School. A natural and gifted athlete, he Co-Captained the legendary undefeated 1962 East Hartford High Hornets Football team. He broke the longstanding records in the 440 and anchored the relay team for the EHHS New England Champion Track team. He attended Eastern Arizona and Eastern New Mexico Universities, playing both offensive and defensive football. Upon graduation, he was drafted in 1963 by the NFL Minnesota Vikings. His doggedness on the field was only matched and surpassed by his quiet humility off it.

After joining the U.S. Army in his early 20’s, he was cruelly struck, out of the blue, by an unexpected life change. Struck, but never ever defeated. Not even close. “This is courage in a man to bear unflinching what heaven sends.”-Euripides

Every son and daughter of the old Sod knows in their DNA that the greatest of victories is the hard-won survival of a thousand daily defeats and unforeseen tragedies. Jim bore his cross with rock solid faith and quiet dignity buoyed by the remarkable faith, courage, strength and Love of his Dear wife, Brenda.

If you should find yourself, one fine day, washed up upon the shore of the Isles of the Blest, and a dawn-to-dusk, no helmet, no pads tackle football pick-up game breaks out, hope and pray you get picked to play on Jim’s team.

Glory in your wholeness now Jim, now and forever. “Slan Abhaile Seamus”-Safe home James. We love you always..

Thank you, Jim, for being soo, soo appreciative for the care you received and for all the many, many times we heard you say “Thank You.” The family would like to thank the outstanding compassionate care given to Jim by the caregivers of Dynamic Touch and the Hospice team of AccentCare.

Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family on Thursday, June 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated the next day, Friday, June 20 at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation of Christ the King Parish, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a Mass be said for James Francis Shea. To share a memory of Jim, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com