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James Conant Obituary
James Rand Conant, 60, of Brookfield, CT, passed away at home September 13, 2014 after a long battle with ALS. Son of the late Barton C. and June K. Conant, he is survived by his three children Daniel, Carolyn, and Jennette, his ex-wife Kathleen Creighton and her partner Joe Dolen, his sister Katharine Conant O'Shea and husband Donald, his brother Scott Conant and wife Joanne, and extended family James and Jimmie Conant, Kelly, Aaron, and Abigail Winn, Michael and Maya O'Shea, Barton and Carolyn Conant, Stephanie Conant, and numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his brother Keith.
Born on September 14, 1953, Jim grew up in Westport, CT. He studied electrical engineering at Princeton University, graduating magna cum laude in 1975 with a B.S.E.E. degree. He graduated from UCLA in 1977 with an M.S.E.E. degree. Through a career that spanned three corporations, Jim worked on radar seekerhead analysis and design, programmable signal processing systems for passive sonar, and software development and research, and came to hold two U.S. patents.
Active in the local community, Jim's volunteer efforts included coaching Math Counts at Whisconier Middle School in Brookfield, youth hockey, and soccer, and working for Citizens for a Better Brookfield, Friends of the Lake, and ALS-ETF (Emergency Treatment Fund). In addition, Jim was an avid ice-hockey player, water skier, and stock market investor, and was an excellent trumpet player in his college years.
Jim's passing on the day before his 61st birthday is a devastating loss to his family, friends, and the Brookfield community. He inspired us all with his courage, grace, and dignity while facing ALS. A reception is planned for Friday, September 19, at 10AM, followed by a memorial service which begins at 12PM. Both will be held at the Brookfield Congregational Church, located at 160 Whisconier Road, in Brookfield, CT. Jim requested that donations to ALS research be made in lieu of flower gifts in his memory. Donations may be made to the Massachusetts General Hospital ALS research clinic (www.mghcureals.org), the ALS Association (www.alsa.org), ALSTDI (www.als.net), or to Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT (www.regionalhospicect.org/donate/).
To light a candle of hope and remembrance please visit our website at www.CornellMemorial.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Conant
Dyann Calder
September 11, 2019
I cannot believe Jim has been done five years. Bob and I remember the FOTL dine around where he was our captain and we learned about his health issues. That night it was lightly raining and we spent quite a bit of time with Jim - great memories. We spent a lot of time together starting the Brookfield Education Foundation years ago as well. I am happy we had these valuable exchanges through the years. Hugs to the family on today's anniversary.
John & Susan Davies
September 21, 2014
Please accept our deepest sympathy in Jim's passing. We had a lot of respect for Jim's dedication to Brookfield's educational system. Personally, I enjoyed working with Jim on a number of past town issues. Rest in peace!
Joan Wyner
September 18, 2014
My heart goes out to the Conant family. I have wonderful memories of our children growing up together in Brookfield and of all the work Jim did for our schools. And he was a great Math counts coach. My deepest sympathy.
September 18, 2014
"Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and a healing to the bones."
Proverbs 16:24
Kamran Manoochehri
September 18, 2014
I worked with Jim over 20 years ago. He left such a good impression as a human being that even though we had not kept in touch since then, his passing leaves me with great sadness. I cant imagine the loss his family must feel at this time. My thoughts and prayer are with you.
Dyann and Bob Calder
September 17, 2014
Bob and I were fortunate to get to know Jim through both FOTL and the Brookfield Education Foundation, of which Jim and I were original board members. Most recently, we spent a memorable dine around on Jim's boat with just a handful of us on a night that was not friendly to boats on the lake. That night we learned about Jim's (at that time) recent diagnosis and traveled with him from house to house thinking about how unfair such things are - especially when they happen to as sweet and intelligent a person as Jim. Our hearts go out to the family. We know how tightly knit you are - that Jim's life will be honored daily through your continued rich connections to each other. Prayers to all.
September 17, 2014
It was so great being neighbors for the last 20 years...we will never forget when we asked you what you liked most about living on the lake you said, "Every morning is different." You will be missed. The Taylor family
Fanny Chiang
September 17, 2014
I am so sorry to hear the sad news. My prayers go to James and his family.
September 17, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Please be assured God cares for you and will comfort you at this time. 1 Pet. 5:7
Ward & Dottie Miles
September 17, 2014
Our prayers are with Jim's family. We share your loss.
2004 Washington Hockey
Dave Kehmna
September 17, 2014
Jim will be missed, only guy I ever knew who's Hockey game got better as he got older.
Jack McDonnell
September 17, 2014
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My thoughts are with Jim and his family and friends.
September 17, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill & Mary Tinsley
Nancy and NIcole Roy
September 17, 2014
Very sorry to hear of your loss remember that he will always be with you and that the sorrow will pass our prayers are with you rest
September 17, 2014
So sorry to learn of Jim's passing. Our thoughts and prayers to his family. Jim, you're now actually playing with the "Hockey Gods".
Linda and Mike Kahn
Darlene,Skip & Ethan Shook
September 17, 2014
We have fond memories of Jim and joyful times with his family in days gone by that will be held in our hearts forever. May God bless you all and keep you safe.
The Sullingers
September 16, 2014
We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Our prayers are with the you all.
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