James Savage Sr.

Ledyard — James Edward Savage Sr., 85, of Gales Ferry, passed away Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018, after a long illness.

Born at home in Noank, he was the son to the late John and Lena (Millette) Savage and lived in Gales Ferry for the past 44 years. Jim attended local schools, serving in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1956. Shortly after his military service, he worked for Electric Boat for 34 years retiring in 1995 as a tank tester technician.

His greatest passion was building and maintaining NASCAR Whelen Modified race cars with the crews of Art Barry in Preston and Bob Garbarino in Mystic. Jim was also a five-time NASCAR modified champion crew member. He and his wife enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the United States, especially visiting his many friends in Florida. One of his favorite places to visit was Mount Rushmore National Park and the Crazy Horse Memorial, both located in South Dakota.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Ramstedt) Savage of 50 years; his son, James E. Savage Jr. and his wife, Marchelle, of Norwich; daughter Mary F. Savage of Westerly; two grandchildren, Robert Burns and Emersyn Savage; and two great-grandchildren, Makayla Lyn and Mackenzie Rose Burns.

He was predeceased by a sister, Harriet (Savage) Wright.

Jim’s family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Mystic Funeral Home located on Route 1 in Mystic. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at River Bend Cemetery in Westerly.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Center for Hospice Care Southeastern Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.