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John James "Jimmy" Denault III

1989 - 2014

John James "Jimmy" Denault III obituary, 1989-2014, Simsbury, CT

BORN

1989

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Vincent Funeral Home - Simsbury

880 Hopmeadow Street

Simsbury, Connecticut

John Denault Obituary

Denault, III, John J.
John James "Jimmy" Denault, III, 24, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, died Friday, April 11, 2014. He was born July 27, 1989 in New Haven the beloved son of Elizabeth "Lisa" Smith, MD of Simsbury John and Cathy Denault of Oxford. Jimmy was raised in Simsbury and was a graduate of the Simsbury High School. He enjoyed reading and movies. He was an avid writer in many genres including poetry and published commentary in various publications. He had a great passion for music and singing. Jimmy also enjoyed riding his bicycle in the evening and spending time with family and friends. James touched many, many lives all over the country. He struggled with the disease of addiction for many years. During those years of struggle he helped fellow addicts with their recovery. He gave of himself selflessly. The family is supported and inspired by the stories of his great humor, friendship, kindness and generosity of love to so many. He was a gentle soul who is deeply missed. As James worked to help his fellow addicts, he would want, as the family does to raise people's awareness of the incredible danger of addiction. It claims lives every day. Besides his loving parents, he is survived by his brother, Ian Denault of Oxford, CT; his sister, Colleen Denault of Oxford, CT; his step mother, Cathy Denault of Oxford; his paternal grandparents, John and Moira Denault of Danbury, CT; his aunts and uncles, Dorothy Smith, Michael and Virginia Smith, Michele Denault, Al and Kendra Smith, Palmer and Michele Smith, Aliyah Smith and Gerard Denault and many cousins and extended family members. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Albert Cowper Smith, Col. US Army (ret) and Carey Smith. A memorial service will be celebrated Saturday, April 19th, 3:00 PM at Vincent's Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT. Burial will be private. James loved animals. In that spirit donations to the ASPCA are suitable. In addition, memorial donations may be made to charities of each person's choice to support those struggling with addiction. Please visit Jimmy's "Book of Memories" at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Danbury News Times & Connecticut Post on Apr. 17, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for John Denault

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Val Payne-Masse

April 20, 2014

I do not know Jimmy or the family but was touched by the moving tribute of the obituary and the honesty and courage it takes to write about Jimmy's struggle and ultimate demise from addiction. So many of us are touched by the evils of drug and alchohol addiction and I pray your willingness to put it out there will help guide some other family and/or person stuggling with this fight. God's blessings to your family as you navigate Jimmy's transition to the other side where I am sure he is just as welcome (and in a much better place) as he will be missed in this life. Namaste

April 18, 2014

Lisa and family,
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your precious son...My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Chris Pinette

A Connecticut Mom

April 18, 2014

I am so very sorry for your loss. Although I did not know your precious son, my son also suffers from this horrible disease as well. Know that he is at peace now with the angels...suffering no more. My deepest condolences.

Mark Mancuso

April 17, 2014

I met Jimmy at Hyde Boarding School in Woodstock CT. From the first time I met him to when I left, him and I spent a lot of time together getting to know one another. We shared so much in common, but the one thing that always set him apart was how intelligent he was; his mind was always going, philosophizing and coming up with amazing ideas. He really left an impact on my life. I've struggled so much with the same thing he did, addiction. I've been sober for almost 2 years, but anytime I ever think about going back I'll think of him; I hope others will do the same. It's sad when the world loses someone like Jimmy, he did so much to make everyone he knew happy and to try to help anyone who needed it. He was one of the great people in life who could relate on any level. I loved him and I know a lot of people who would say the same. Jimmy was the kind of person who you couldn't like, no matter how you tried; he just was so lovable. He always had a smile for you when you needed it, an ear when no one would listen, and such a talent for expression that surpassed most others. He will be missed by so many. Anyone who currently struggles with addiction, please always remember it can take anyone, from the worst to the best. All I can say is I will always keep the memories I have of him alive, and I'm sorry to everyone else who feels this empty part of their lives left by his passing. Much love and peace to his family and friends, and we can all keep his spirit alive. I promise to never forget.

Sandi Littleton

April 17, 2014

Lisa, John, Cathy, Ian and Colleen, I have known James since he was in the 5th grade. No doubt that he was often a handful, but he was just as caring. There are many wonderful stories with James at the center, but one of my favorites was when he hit and injured an owl with his car. He stopped his car in the middle of the road and called you, Lisa, for help. He comforted the owl until animal control got there to take it to the vet. He was a loving person, nurtured and loved so much by his family and friends. I hope that owl is with him now.

Linda Buchanan

April 17, 2014

To the family and friends of Jimmy,

There are no words that can approach how deep your grief must be at the unexpected loss of Jimmy, your kind and beautiful son, brother and friend. I did not have the good fortune to know Jimmy, but my son Johnny's good friends, Alana and Tyler, knew him and loved him. We lost Tyler in 2011, Johnny in 2012, Johnny's big brother, Nick, in 2013, and now your remarkable son, who touched so many lives and hearts.

I only want to thank you for the beautiful words you wrote in his memory, for speaking so honestly and movingly about this cruel disease and Jimmy's brave, brave battle with it. We have lost too many, too young. Your words, his life, will continue to touch and help so many others, more than he could ever know.

Like my sons, I would like to think that Jimmy is onto his next adventure, free of the burdens he carried with such courage.

We were lucky to have these young men for the time that we did. May your memories always be close in your heart.

"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there." - Rumi

Thank you.

Ginny Damseaux

April 17, 2014

I will always remember James's warmth and sense of humor. Please accept my sincere condolences.

April 17, 2014

So sorry for your loss. Keep the memories of good times spent with your loved one to help you thru the difficult days. Acts 17:31

Elizabeth Carrasco

April 17, 2014

James I remember when you were just a little boy and would stop by to visit us at the pedi clinic. I am still in so much shock that you are gone. May you rest in peace. Lisa my deepest sympathy goes out to you and may the Lord guide you through these difficult times. You are one of the greatest moms, friend, and pediatrician I know. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

April 17, 2014

I can't say I knew you well, but I enjoyed our t ime together, ur witty conversations, and the free thinking that came of it. You always expressed your opinions clearly and with passion. The world lost a warm soul. My Condolences to those closest to jimmy.

Erica Christensen

April 17, 2014

You were always there when I needed a friend, just a short bike ride down the street. Our many adventures and long afternoons spent together will always be remembered.

April 17, 2014

Jimmy you brought laughter to liberty house and you will be remembered be at peace and may the family be blessed.

Stacey Comora-Berdugo

April 17, 2014

I am so saddened to hear about the passing of John (Jimmy John as I called him). I had the opportunity to get to know Jimmy as his therapist in Florida. I am overwhelmed with sadness to hear this information because when I said goodbye to Jimmy over 5 months ago I felt a peaceful feeling because he was doing so well. My prayers go out to his family and his siblings that he really loved so much. Rest In Peace Jimmy John.

I leave you with a quote on a bottle cap that I had given to Jimmy during one of our sessions "Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.” Robert C Gallagher

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Apr

19

Memorial service

3:00 p.m.

Vincent Funeral Home - Simsbury

880 Hopmeadow Street PO Box 335, Simsbury, CT 06070

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Vincent Funeral Home - Simsbury

880 Hopmeadow Street PO Box 335, Simsbury, CT 06070

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