James S. Pillion

James Pillion, of Niantic, CT and Naples, FL, passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2018. Jim was born and raised in Hartford, the son of James and Anna Pillion. He had four brothers, Gary, Dennis, Matt and Brian. He graduated from Bulkeley High School and received a full basketball scholarship to the University of Hartford where he held the record of leading rebounder for many years. He also received his Master's Degree in Economics from the University of Hartford. Jim worked in the insurance industry for 40 plus years and spent the last 35 at Boston Mutual Life Insurance, where he was the Sales Manager for the Connecticut division, winning numerous Presidential Awards. Jim was the Commissioner of the Black Point Beach Club's Bocce League for nine years, a representative on the BP Board of Governors for twelve and a member of the men's club. He was also a proud member of the Muffin Men's church group. Jim was on the Governing Board of the Glenmoor Condominiums in Naples and an organizer of their bocce league. Jim loved the men he played with in both of his golf leagues in FL and CT. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Margaret and his three beloved children; Kate and husband Ryan Mertel and daughters, Caroline and Lauren of Portland, CT, Jed and wife Jessica and sons Jack and Grady of Stow, MA and Matthew and sons, Griffin and Owen of Sudbury, MA. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Brian and his first wife Rita. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, a true gentle giant. He will be missed by all. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday September 28, 2018 at 11 O'clock at St Agnes Church 22 Haigh Avenue, Niantic. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New London. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday evening from 4 to 7 pm at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home 48 Grand Street, Niantic. www.neilanfuneralhome.com