He graduated from Port Chester High School in 1954 and married the former Dorothy Rennie in 1957. They were married for many years and have four daughters, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Jim became an electrician in 1960 after completing a five-year apprenticeship and was employed by the Port Chester Electric Company. He achieved the Order of De Molay in 1954 and remained a Masonic Lodge member his entire life.
With firefighting in his blood, Jim joined the Harry Howard Hook and Ladder Volunteer Fire Department in Port Chester in 1954. He was also known to go “buffing” in New York City to volunteer firefight and made many friends through these excursions. In 1970, he became a professional firefighter for the Town of Greenwich, retiring in 1990.
Jim was dedicated to providing for his family and worked multiple jobs for most of his life. He was the ultimate “handyman” and had a knack for being able to fix almost anything. He handed down these valuable skills to his daughters and sons-in-law. Jim leaves his family with many stories that will be retold to future generations.
Jim is survived by Dorothy Perkins Nolan; his four daughters, Dorothy McKay, Jane (Stuart) Manley, Linda (Wes) Small, and Karen (Scott) Allen; sisters Marie (Bill) Schmalkuche, and Monema Garrity; eight grandchildren, Robert, Jr. and Brian McKay, Kathryn Rinaldo and Ross Manley, Chelsea and Hayley Small, Elizabeth and Emily Allen; and five great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Daniel McKay, Rylie and Raegan McKay, and Evan Rinaldo. His life will be celebrated with a private family internment and service.
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