Hugo A. James

Retired University of Bridgeport biology professor and nature enthusiast Dr. Hugo A. James died peacefully at his home in Trumbull, CT on November 1, 2018 after a prolonged illness. He was 88 years old. Hugo was the adopted son of Albert and Christina James. He is survived by the children of his life partner Martin Ulmer: Margaret Ulmer, Christie Wiersma, John Ulmer, James Ulmer and their families; also his beloved dog Jack. Other survivors include many lifelong friends including Bruce Smith, his caring conservator Mike Martinetto and many cousins from the Shannon and Honychurch families. A resident of Trumbull his entire life, Dr. James’ teaching career spanned over 35 years in the fields of biology and parasitology, earning him a National Science Foundation Faculty Fellowship from Iowa State University and Faculty Research Grants from the University of Bridgeport. He was a member of many professional societies: the American Society of Parasitologists, the American Miscroscopical Society and the National Honorary Society of Research Scientists, Sigma Xi. In the early 1950s, during the Korean War, James enlisted in the US Army and was among the junior military personnel based at Camp Pendleton in California. Dr. James received his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from the University of Bridgeport in 1957 and 1958 respectively and in 1958 joined the University of Bridgeport as an instructor of Biology. Earning a Master of Arts degree from the University of Virginia, he became a full professor; teaching courses in anatomy, physiology, botany, genetics, general zoology, parasitology, helminthology and ornithology. In 1968 he received his Ph.D at Iowa State University under the guidance of his zoology professor and mentor, Dr. Martin Ulmer. Throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s the two frequently corresponded, worked and taught together. It was a relationship born of mutual respect and accomplishments – one which would ultimately grow into a lifelong and loving partnership that centered at the Trumbull home they built together with their own hands overlooking Twin Brooks Park; which they named Idlewild. The two traveled together to Canada, Europe, Italy, India and Nepal. At Idlewild, Hugo also pursued his passion for training four beloved black Labradors - Carbon, Shadow, Pepper and Jack - competing in numerous local and regional dog shows. He trained all his canine companions to provide emotional comfort to the elderly and infirm and they were much sought after visitors to local nursing homes and care centers throughout southern Connecticut. By his extended family, Dr. Hugo James will be remembered for his hospitable spirit, his love and care for his life partner (passed in 2008), his willingness to embrace and help others of his community, his working of the land and his concern for the resources of this planet and his generous good will to all creatures great and small. A memorial gathering will take place on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull from 1:00-3:00 p.m. To leave an online condolence, visit us at www.abriola.com.