James Coney
Groton — James Edward “Jim” Coney, 85, of Groton died early Saturday morning June 18, 2022, at his home in Groton. Jim was born in Ferriday, La., to Julius E. Coney and Patricia Ecklund Coney. He married Rosemarie Pusateri Coney on May 2, 1981; she survives him.
At age 7, Jim moved to Chula Vista, Calif., where he attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic School. Jim, at the age of 17, received his parents’ permission to join the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served and was honorably discharged.
He worked at Rohr Aircraft in Chula Vista until he moved to Groton in 1963. Jim was hired as a security guard by General Dynamics Electric Boat. He worked through the ranks to become manager of plant protection until his retirement in 1992.
Jim was a people person. He liked to make people laugh, share a story and just listen. At lunch, he would just grab an apple and take a walk with security staff. There he made close ties that are still evident today.
He was a simple man. Jim would enjoy chopping and splitting wood. The wood was used for heating his home, but the physical effort helped clear his mind. In his later years, he found the same solace sitting in his rocking chair next to Rosemarie watching all the activity on the Thames River.
Besides his wife, Rosemarie, he is survived by his children from a previous marriage; sons, Edward Coney and his wife, Maureen, and Thomas Coney and his wife, Terry; daughters, Patrisha Denton and her husband, Rickey, and Carol Georgina Miller and her husband, David Centofanti; and five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 23, at Byles Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames Street in Groton. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, June 24, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 56 Sacred Heart Drive in Groton. Burial with military honors at Elm Grove Cemetery is private.
Jim supported Catholic education. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Sacred Heart School, 50 Sacred Heart Drive, Groton, CT 06340. Please visit www.byles.com to sign the online register.