William Benjamin James II

JAMES William Benjamin James II, age 62, beloved husband of Carol R. James, and devoted father of William Benjamin and Elizabeth Kelly, passed away Friday, August 21, 2009 at Greenwich Hospital. He was the loving son of the late Dr. Theodore E. and Faith Sabella James. A 1969 graduate of Manhattan College, he served in the United States Coast Guard until 1975 when he was honorably discharged with the rank of radio man second class. He earned an MBA in finance from The Wharton School in 1975, and joined General Reinsurance in New York City as an assistant vice president and a portfolio manager in the municipal finance department. He left to establish a career in investment banking, stating at Salomon Brothers, Inc. as a vice president, Investment Banking Municipal Finance. In September, 1982 Bill received his designation as a chartered financial analyst and in 1983, he successfully ran the New York City Marathon. After five years at Solomon, he joined the Public Finance Department at Prudential Securities as managing director. He continued his career in public finance at O'Brien Partner, Inc. and Banc One Capital Corporation. Until his retirement, he was vice president, marketing and sales with Gabelli Asset Management. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his four brothers, Theodore E. James, Jr., Nicholas D. James, Francis James, and John Peter James, and his sister, Faith S. Waters. He was a member of the Finance Council, Diocese of Bridgeport; a Knight Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a Knight of the American Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, a Knight of Columbus, the past and founding president, Legatus of Fairfield County, a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, NYC. Friends may call at the Leo P. Gallagher and Son Funeral Home Monday, August 24th, from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at St. Michael the Arch Angel Church, 469 North Street at 11 a.m. Donations may be made in his name to the American Heart Association or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.