Jim Simonelli

James “Jim” Michael Simonelli, 55, of Fairfield, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026. He was the loving and devoted husband of 27 years to JoAnn (Parelli) Simonelli and proud father of his children, Jake and Jenna.

Born on July 26th, 1970 to James and Anna (Lunder) Simonelli, “Jimmy” was the youngest of three siblings, survived by his sisters Hope and Bridget. As the only boy, he was adored by his older sisters. In Jim’s formative years, he was inquisitive, smart and kind. As he grew into the amazing man he was, he retained that kindness and made himself available to lend a hand to anyone in need. Known to many friends as “Simo,” growing up in Black Rock, he could be found hanging around Arizona Flats, Beverly Pizza or St. Mary’s by the Sea. Jim was a diehard Los Angeles Chargers fan, and would never miss a chance to cheer on the Yankees, especially on Opening Day with the guys.

In the Summer of 1988, shortly after graduating high school, Jim met the love of his life, JoAnn, while hanging with friends in Duchess’ parking lot. The two got married nearly a decade later at First Congregation Church in Fairfield and moved into the family house right after. Jim, an avid carpenter, spent the next 27 years building the home they raised their family in from the ground up, with detail and craftsmanship in every aspect. Jim and JoAnn would eventually welcome their two children, Jake and Jenna, whom they spent the next two decades raising and spending every moment with. Jim loved his children more than anything and was always there for them. He supported them unconditionally in every aspect of their lives, attending every sporting event and school function the kids participated in. Most of all, Jim was the comedian of the family, always knowing when to crack a light joke to get a good laugh in.

Jim started his career at the age of 23 as a Correction Officer at Garner CI, a maximum-security facility in Newtown, CT. During his 23 years of exemplary service to the State of Connecticut, he honed his craft in Hostage Negotiation, assisting in the development of the current training model for the Connecticut Department of Corrections Basic Negotiators course. Jim most notably served on the Department of Corrections Situational Control (SITCON) Hostage Negotiation Team after his appointment in 2007. Two years later, he would be appointed to serve as the South District Team Leader for SITCON in 2009, responsible for the supervision and training of 20 hostage negotiators assigned to the district. He would remain in this position until he was assigned to the Connecticut Tactical Operations Support Unit in the fall of 2014. Jim, during his time at Garner, remained committed to being a role model for young adults as a member of Turning Point, a program that targets at-risk youth in the community and mentors them to make significant positive changes in their lives.

In 2016, Jim would retire from the Department of Corrections to join the Fairfield University Department of Public Safety as an Officer. While at Fairfield, he served as an Title IX investigator and SART Team member as well as an Active Shooter Instructor for the University. Most recently in September, Jim began a new position within Public Safety as an Investigator. Jim enjoyed walking around campus, being able to interact with various students and staff, often a highlight of his day. Some of his favorite memories include representing Public Safety at the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Saugatucks Sweets’ kitchen sink ice cream eating contest in support of Special Olympics Connecticut. His greatest accomplishment at Fairfield University was not something to do with his position at Public Safety but rather the ability to provide his children with the opportunity of achieving higher education. In doing so, Jim was not only able to be around his two children on campus, but also meet all the incredible friends they made along the way. Jim’s constant presence on campus over the past 9 years will be deeply missed by the Stag community.

In addition to his wife, JoAnn, and his children, Jake and Jenna, Jim is survived by his sister Hope Clark and her husband Scott of Milford, sister Bridget Tobin of Deep River, sister-in-law Tina Silkoff and her husband Michael of Derby, brother-in-law David Huff and his wife Theresa of Comanche, Oklahoma, his father-in-law William Parelli of Milford, his nieces Natasha Larkin, Bryanna Tobin-Norris, Cassandra Silkoff (Goddaughter), Lauren Forst, his nephews Jason Rodriguez, Matthew Huff, James Silkoff and two great-nieces and two great-nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, James and Anna (Lunder) Simonelli.

Family and friends may visit at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Rd., Fairfield on Thursday, January 22 from 4-8PM. A prayer service will be held at 8PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics Connecticut.