James Cleary

East Lyme — James M. “Jim” Cleary, 85, of East Lyme passed away at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, New London, on Jan. 29, 2021, after a brief illness. Jim was the son of the late James and Gladys (Roe) Cleary.

Jim was born in New London on Oct. 17, 1935. He attended Bulkeley School until its closing and went on to graduate from New London High School in 1953. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1958 to 1960, with a tour of duty in Korea.

Jim began his career working as a stockbroker with Fahnestock and Co. (New York City and Hartford). He was employed by General Dynamics Data Systems Division as a computer programmer, computer systems specialist, chief of computer operations, and Ethics Program director. Subsequently, Jim was a consultant on computer systems for the Employee Benefits Department of General Dynamics Electric Boat Division.

Jim was an avid golfer and was a member of the Shennecossett Golf Club for 56 years. He was the winner of many golf tournaments at Shennecossett and Electric Boat, including Shennecossett’s Men’s Club championship (1965) and Electric Boat Men’s Division championship in 1973 and 1974.

He married the love of his life, Alice (Budner) Cleary on Oct. 24, 1964. They enjoyed 50 wonderful years of love and devotion to one another. Alice and Jim loved to travel and attended many cultural and sporting events and activities with family and friends. Jim continued to cherish Alice’s memory, after her passing in 2015, throughout the rest of his life.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, James and Gladys Cleary; his brother, David Cleary; his brother-in-law, Richard Uguccioni; and his beloved wife, Alice Cleary. He is survived by his sisters and brother-in-law, Jean Uguccioni of Waterford and Gladys and Charlie Rolls of Quaker Hill; and many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 10 Huntington St., New London. Interment will be private in St. Mary Cemetery, New London. There are no calling hours. All are asked to wear a mask and practice safe distancing guidelines.

Please visit.ww.neilanfuneralhome.com to leave the family an online condolence.