James D. Killian

1927 - 2022

James D. (Jim) Killian passed away peacefully at UCONN Health Center on November 8th, 2022 at the age of 94. Jim was born in Hartford, CT on December 2nd, 1927 to Edward F. and Annie (Nemser) Killian. He graduated from Saint Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield in 1946, received his B.A. in English from Teacher's College of Connecticut (Central CT State University) in 1950 and his M.A. in English from Boston University in 1951. Shortly thereafter, he fulfilled his civic duty serving as a Counter-Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge in 1953, Jim furthered his studies at UC-Berkeley when fate brought him to a 32 year teaching career at nearby Piedmont High School. Teaching was his passion. He loved motivating and sharing his knowledge with his students, many of whom continued friendships with him until his passing. Jim made friends wherever he went from CA, to TX, right back to CT where he enjoyed his final years. He is survived by three generations of nieces and nephews. Special thanks is given to Mark McNeilly, who provided steadfast care and comfort to Jim in his later years. Jim was predeceased by his brothers, Edward F. Killian, Jr., Robert K. Killian, Sr., David J. Killian, Rev. William A. Killian and his sister, Doris Sturges. Family and friends are invited to call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Monday, November 14th, 2022 from 9:00-10:00am. Funeral procession from The Ahern Funeral Home will be at 10:00am followed by the Funeral Liturgy in the Church of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Unionville at 10:30am. Burial will be in the family plot at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. If so desired, gifts in Jim's memory may be made to CT Foodshare, 2 Research Parkway, Wallingford, CT 06492. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.