James L. Ready

James L. Ready, age 77, of Chester passed away peacefully at the Gladeview Health Care Center in Old Saybrook on Friday evening, November 17, 2023 with his beloved wife Marie by his side following a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
Following high school graduation he was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War, serving in Vietnam for 1 year. In addition to serving his country from 1966-1968 he also served in the Connecticut National Guard for 18 years. He was a life member of the VFW and American Legion. Jim was employed by Chesebrough Ponds for over 25 years, followed by working at Genco and Tower Laboratories until his retirement.
Marie and Jim were married on November 10, 1990, recently celebrating their 33rd anniversary. He was a person of many interests and over the years pursued new activities, including playing bridge, art school, the theatre, taking piano lessons, walking with his friends at Chatfield Hollow no matter what the temperature was, train travel and travel to other countries. He loved going to see plays no matter they were. This interest in theatre lead to his being active with the Meeting House Players in Chester; stage crew, house manager, and more than once performing on stage- notably his role as Mr. Kimber in George Washington Slept Here.
Jim was a member of the United Church of Chester and had many wonderful times at church activities, especially peeling potatoes and cooking carrots for the Pot Roast Dinners. He served as a mentor for the youth group and was also a deacon. You could always count on him to make coffee on Sunday mornings. As a result of being at church he started volunteering at the Chester Meal Site of the Shoreline Kitchen and Pantries. In addition to helping with serving meals for many years he served as site coordinator. With Marie he traveled all over the United States by train, meticulously planning the trips so all the connections would be made. They took every Amtrak route at the time. For several years he was a Friend of Bills, and was a listening ear to so many. He cared so much for others.
Besides his wife he leaves behind his sisters; Christine Hockert and her husband Alan of Tennessee, Billie Hayner and her husband John of Chester, and Eleanor LaPlace, and Linda Hatzykiriazis both of Old Saybrook, plus many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Marie's son, Richard Roth and his wife Jennifer. He was "Papa Jim" to Robert and Anne Roth.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2023 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook. A funeral service will held on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 11:00AM at the United Church of Chester, 29 West Main Street in Chester. Burial with the rending of Military Honors will follow in the State Veterans Cemetery, Bow Lane in Middletown.
Marie would like to thank and express her deep appreciation to all the staff at Gladeview Health Care, especially to those on the third floor where Jim resided. A special thank you too, to all his caregivers at Home Care Plus Community Health Care and Hospice of Guilford, and the staff at West Haven VA Medical Center who helped Jim over the course of his illness.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Jim's name may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741, the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, S. W. Lilburn GA 30047, or to a charity of your choice.