Reverend James Anthony Crowley Jr.

He was born on June 18, 1939, in New Britain, the son of James, Sr., and Sophia Irene Zisk Crowley.

James grew up in New Britain and moved to Old Saybrook in 1955. He had a rich and rewarding career. After graduating from Old Saybrook high school, he served in the U.S. Army and later graduated from the police academy and then worked as an officer for the Old Saybrook police department. He earned his Master in Criminal Justice from University of New Haven in 1976. Despite his start in law enforcement, Jim was an avid businessman. He assisted his parents in running the James A. Crowley Agency in Old Saybrook. He went on to own and operate Proudy and Stanton Mortgage Company in Old Saybrook, he owned several restaurants in the New Haven area and in Old Lyme. James was a Professor of Business at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury for 40 years. Following his strong faith, he earned his Master of Divinity from Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell in 1995. He was ordained and served at St. Thomas Church in New Britain for 20 years. In addition to his professional accomplishments, his greatest joys in life were his family. James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He truly loved each and every moment he spent with his family.

James is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara; daughters Sarah Lennon and husband Craig of Old Saybrook and Rachel Green and her husband Gregory of Old Lyme; sisters Lenore Johnson and her husband David of Lakewood, CO, and Beverly Wilusz of Shalimar, FL; grandchildren Brandon Green and finance Jessica McMorrow, Samantha Lennon and finance Michael Esposito, and Justin Green; nieces and nephews: Jennifer Johnson and Aaron Johnson; and Craig Wilusz and Carey Krueger.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 11 at 11 am in Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Rd., Old Lyme burial will follow at Duck River Cemetery with reception following at the church. Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 10 from 5:00-7:00pm at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Lane, Old Lyme. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut at https://www.alz.org/ct?form=alz_donate