C. James Orsi

Waterford — C. James “Jim” Orsi, 89, of Waterford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 30, 2017. He was born in Groton on Sept. 28, 1927, the son of Fulgenzio and Ernesta Ambrosi Orsi.

Jim and his wife, the former Janet Shalkowski, spent 40 happy years together.

Jim was a graduate of Fitch Senior High School, class of 1946. After graduation he entered the U.S. Army, serving as an MP stationed in Italy. After his discharge he graduated from Boston University receiving his degree in communications.

Growing up in the city of Groton, Jim lived close to Shennecossett Golf Course where, in his younger days, he used to caddie. He eventually became an avid golfer. When an opening for an assistant pro became available at the New London Country Club, Jim jumped on the chance to work in the field he had a passion for. In 1955, when Jim became an official member of the PGA, he was offered the position of head pro. Jim stayed at NLCC until his retirement in 1988.

As a member of the Connecticut Section PGA, Jim served as secretary from 1962 to 1971. He also served three years as a correspondent for the PGA Magazine. In 1969, he was elected Golf Pro of the Year. His greatest honor came in November 2015 when he was inducted into the Connecticut Section PGA Hall of Fame, an honor he was truly grateful for.

In his retirement, Jim and Janet spent their winters living in PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. While in Florida, Jim worked at Emerald Dunes Golf Course in West Palm Beach. He just could not stay away from the job he loved so much.

Besides his wife, Jim is survived by his son, James M. Orsi and his wife, Anne, of Washington; his sister, Livia Bega; and two nieces, Sandy Bega Barnes and Dee Tripp, two great-nieces, two great-nephews and two greatgreat grandnieces. He was predeceased by his brother-inlaw, Frank Bega.

Jim was a very quiet humble man who will be missed by all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 7, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. Interment with military honors will take place at St. Mary Cemetery, New London. The family will receive relatives and friends from 10 until 11 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Kindly omit flowers. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or a charity of the donor’s choice. www.neilanfuneralhome.com