James Kiaffas

James “Jim” Kiaffas, 80, of Deep River, CT passed away peacefully at the UConn Health Center after a brief illness on September 2nd with his family by his side. Jim was born October 8, 1944 to Andrew and Dorothy (Sheldon) Kiaffas at the Westerly Hospital, Rhode Island. Jim’s family moved to Connecticut while he was young and settled in East Haddam. After High School, he began his career as an auto body technician at Eddie’s Auto Body in East Haddam. He refined his skill repairing cars “better than new” and was sought after for his excellent work. His work was interrupted by Uncle Sam to join the Army. After two years serving his country, he resumed his auto body work for several more years before leaving to try his skills at building houses, small engine repair, renovating homes for sale and finally, partnering with a friend, purchased several condominiums which they maintained for many years. Jim was a clever and inventive person. He could fix most anything and if not he invented a different way to solve problems which worked for him in all of his occupations.

Jim was always busy with a project at home like building stone walls, planting a prize winning vegetable garden, refinishing furniture or fishing at the Essex Sportsmen's club. But his most prized accomplishment was building his ’34 Ford Coupe from parts. The bright yellow car won many trophies over the 20 years he drove it. He was a faithful participant at the “Misfit Cruisers" car cruises almost until the end. He also got a lot of publicity when he went to The Barrett Jackson Auction in Florida and brought home 4 trucks to sell!! He thought it was a great time and continued to go to auctions when they came to Mohegan Sun.

Jim married the love of his life, Linda Denette, shortly after returning from Army duty in December of 1967. Together they have 2 children, Andrew James and Renee Lynn Heckler who will miss him greatly. Jim and family spent many happy hours boating on the CT. River and Long Island Sound in the summers. They also traveled throughout Europe, Canada, and the U.S. coasts with a memorable visit to Jim’s ancestral town of “Kiaffa” on the Island of Hydra in Greece to meet relatives. Jim and Linda enjoyed entertaining over the years with family and friends on “Muster Day” and holidays throughout the years. For many years Jim has been a daily morning coffee customer at Hally Jo's Corner Cafe. He enjoyed starting his day with conversation and friends. Jim was known for giving fun nicknames to some of his friends and family that reflected their occupation, looks, or habits. Many of them have lasted for years. Jim will be remembered for his witty “play on words” jokes and his April Fool’s Day pranks and his all around great personality.

Jim is survived by his wife, Linda, his son Andrew James and wife Barbie, his daughter Renee Lynn Heckler and husband Donnie, his grandchildren, Derek Heckler and Lauren Heckler. In addition to his family he is survived by his nephews and niece, Jason Kiaffas, Nicholas Kiaffas, Ernest Richard, Steven Richard, Michael Richard, James Richard and Joanne Whitehead (Mike). He also leaves his in laws Louise Denette, Louis Denette, Ray Denette(Holly), Kay Chiat (Maia), Laura Parker(Mark) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother George, sister Marion Richard(Ernest), niece Sally Richard, and sister Debbie Hicks, as well as his in-laws Leo and Irene Denette and sister in law Marie Lang.

Calling hours will be Sunday September 14th, 2025 from 10:00 to 12:00 with a prayer service at 12:00 at the Swan Funeral Home in Old Saybrook, CT.

Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations to the American Lung Association would be appreciated. Donation Processing Center, PO Box 70350, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0350.