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James Giff Obituary
James M. Giff, of Monroe, Connecticut, died suddenly on November 1, 2016 at the age of 56. He is survived by his beloved wife Laurie; his dear children Jimmy and Chrissy and cherished granddaughter Haylee; his parents Patricia Reilly Giff and James A. Giff; his brother William (Catherine) and sister Alice O'Meara (James.) He is also survived by father-in-law George Cau and sister-in-law Rene Cau and 14 nephews and nieces. He was the owner of the children's bookstore The Dinosaur's Paw in Newtown. As adjunct professor, he taught children's literature at Sacred Heart University. Family and books were his passion and the driving force in his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the welfare trust for his granddaughter Haylee at 19 Winslow Terrace, Monroe, Connecticut. Calling hours will take place from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday at Spadaccino and Leo Gallagher and Sons, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe. A Mass will be offered on Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Jude's Church, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe. For online condolences, please visit www.spadaccinofuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for James Giff
Sean Kelly
November 14, 2017
Jim, rest in peace, my big brother. I lost touch but thought of you often. I always thought I would see you again - it will just be in heaven. My condolences to your family.
May 8, 2017
Dearest Pat and Jim,
I'm shocked and saddened to learn of Jimmy's passing. I just found out now when going online to see the bookstore hours because we're coming to Connecticut this summer. My heart aches for the two of you, and for the whole family. His bright cheery smile, sparkling blue eyes, and warm hugs always made visits to the bookstore seem like a "coming home".
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers coming for all of you!
Rosemary (McGuire) Berry
Theresa Falkowski
January 24, 2017
I am so sorry for the loss of Jim. Although I didn't know him very long, his love of life, family and literature touched my life. He was my professor at SHU, and he instilled in me the love to read children's literature. I will remember him always.
Rose Myers
January 16, 2017
I was so shocked to hear this sad news. I began shopping at the Dinosaur's Paw when it was in Fairfield and was delighted to rediscover it when I began getting my hair cut next door in Newtown. And was surprised to see it closed when I saw it last week. I had many lovely, adult discussions about children's books and publishing and grandchildren with Jim. He was a helpful, sweet man and I will miss him. My deepest condolences to his family. I feel as if I have lost a friend.
Jo-Anne Kershaw
January 12, 2017
This is such a shock for me. Jim's gentle spirit at the Dinosaur's Paw in Fairfield and his helpful ways made buying books for my classroom such a pleasure. It has been a long time since I left Fairfield in 1997, as a teacher, to become a reading consultant in Trumbull. Although our paths have not crossed for many years, I will always remember him and his parents.
Ellen Levanti
November 28, 2016
Dear Laura and family,
I was so very sorry to hear about Jimmy's sudden passing. My prayers are with you. You and he were always
light in the room, a smile and friendly word of encouragement when you needed one.
With love,
The Bridgeport YMCA
November 15, 2016
Our sincere condolences to you Laurie and your family. Everyone here is thinking of you.
Kathy Dunn
November 8, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope each day brings a little more healing. Pat, your Random House family is always here for you.
Christopher Fernan
November 8, 2016
My Friend. My brother. We went to St John's together. We pledged together, FPC '78. We drank together. We laughed allot together. We have grown our families and our lives continued, although our paths were not always together. You will always be in my heart, Jim. Laura, I am so sorry for your terrible loss of such a wonder filled man that Jim was. My sincerest heartfelt condolences to you and the children and the rest of your extended family. We all loved Jim and his memory lives on within us as legend of BEP's only "Gipper"
Bob Kensek
November 7, 2016
I am at a loss for words. I know I will miss visiting him at the store.
Rest in peace Jim - Bob at The Bee
November 7, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the Giff family on the loss of your loved one. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Ann Marie Kaczorowski
chris zdru
November 7, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. He was a great guy.
We have lots of memories that we'll cherish.
Chris and everyone at Olympia Foto
November 6, 2016
Dear Pat, Jim, Billy, Alice, and all your and Jimmy's families,
Growing up with you as our friends, I have many wonderful memories of love, friendship, caring, and sharing the many good times and the few not so good. I wish you all the strength to grieve Jimmy's loss, hold on to all your wonderful memories and always celebrate his life.
Our thoughts are with you,
Love, Donnalee, Billy & Family
Dory Bertsche
November 6, 2016
Dear Giff Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Jimmy's humor, generosity and flawless book recommendations will be missed by all! He had such a big heart and a unique spirit. We will miss him so! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With love, Dory
November 6, 2016
Laurie and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Melissa D'Orazio
Tony Abbott
November 5, 2016
Jimmy Giff knew, instinctively, the broad field of children
Pam Foarde
November 5, 2016
Dear Giff Family, I'm so sorry for your loss and send my condolences, love and prayers to all of you. I loved Jimmy and his enthusiasm for children's lit. I can point to many a book in our home that he recommended to me over the years. Those of us who've taken Pat's classes looked forward to seeing Jimmy and experiencing the hilarious banter between them. He was a very special one-of-a-kind guy and his spirit and presence will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with him and all of you.
Gael Lynch
November 5, 2016
Just loved our Jimmy! Loved his wit--particularly with his wonderful mom. Loved bantering (and maybe needling him a little too much!) with him about politics. But most of all loved his huge heart and wonderful spirit. Watching him snuggle with his precious Haylee was a huge treat. I will so miss the conversations we've shared. Wishing you all our deepest sympathy and love!
Lynn Golinsky Natalizio
November 5, 2016
Though it's been many, many years since we've seen each other, my deepest condolences and prayers go out to you , Laura, and family.
Daniela Santos
November 5, 2016
It is with a heavy heart that i am sending my condolences to you, your children, Haylee and the family. Prayers your way... xoxo
With love, Daniela Santos, Nalani Santos, and fam
Erik Rambush
November 4, 2016
Giff Family: I am so sorry! I worked with Jim jr at Jockey Hollow. Jim refered me to the Dinosaur Paw for an assignment. We talked books for a long time. Mr. Giff directed me to books that I needed for my training. I asked him to recommend a children's book for my godson, too. I saw him recently. It is FAVORITE book - read almost daily. I got the book in the spring! I wanted to write him note. My godson has hundreds of books and he picked the best. Mr. Giff was really awesome to me. I wish you all comfort. God bless his soul.
The Staff of Spadaccino Funeral Home
November 5, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Donna Aiken
November 4, 2016
Jimmy,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad, if he was anything like you he must have been wonderful. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Lori Lisi
November 3, 2016
I am so heavy-hearted to hear of your loss. Jimmy was friendly and encouraging - just like his mom. His smile and kind words will forever be remembered. Praying for your family.
November 3, 2016
I pray for your strength and know that I care and share in your loss. With friendship and love.
Amy
Lynda Mullaly Hunt
November 3, 2016
Oh, I am so saddened to hear of Jimmy's passing. Such a terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Mary Corcoran Hall
November 3, 2016
What a loss for all of us. Jim will be greatly missed. He was a huge blessing to me and was so very encouraging...great teacher and friend. We will be praying for your family.
Jeanne LaRosa
November 3, 2016
My sincere condolences to you Laurie and your family. You are in our prayers. XO
Laura Tria
November 3, 2016
My heart is heavy at my childhood friend passing and extended family going through this pain. I offer you my heart and my strength to continue breathing and to one day integrate this loss into your lives. Peace Be With You....
Linda Friis
November 2, 2016
So sorry Chrissy and family, your ER family is here for you, Whatever you need, please let us know
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