BAYNE, JAMES

James W. Bayne, beloved father, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2018. Born on May 31, 1929, in White Plains, New York, Jim is predeceased by his wife Joan (Stevens) Bayne, with whom he was married for 59 years. Jim is survived by his loving children, daughter Barbara and husband Wilf Zuk of North Charleston, SC, daughter Pamela and partner Paul McDonald of NYC, daughter Sharon and husband Tom Starr of Durham, CT, daughter Holly and husband Rich Kolodziej of Vienna, VA and son Steven and wife Erin of Mansfield, CT. Jim is also survived by five grandchildren, John Starr and his wife Kaitlin, Leah (Starr) and her husband, Adam Tokar, and Aidan, Caitlyn and Declan Bayne. He also leaves behind his sister Anne Benjamin of Rocky River, OH and his dear friend and companion, Bea Breiner. Jim will be remembered for his generosity, optimism, strong work ethic and patriotism. He made friends everywhere he went. His dedication to community service was clearly seen through his work with Rotary International and Habitat for Humanity. In his working life, he was a two-way radio communications operator and respected owner of Leonard Communications in Schenectady, N.Y. Jim’s mechanical ability enabled him to repair just about anything. He was a life-long, avid Yankees and Giants fan. In his free time, Jim enjoyed watching the Yankees and History Channel on TV and working around the house. Calling hours will take place at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street Middletown, CT 06457 on Thursday, August 23, 2018 from 4:30-5:30 p.m., with a Remembrance Celebration at 5:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jim may be made to the Delmar Rotary Club, P.O. Box 244 Delmar, NY 12054 or Habitat for Humanity International, 121 Habitat Street, Americus, GA 31709-3498. To share memories or express condolences online please visit

www.biegafuneralhome.com.