Michael Howard James

Michael Howard James
Michael Howard James, born on May 23, 1947, in Harrisburg, PA, passed away on October 3, 2025, in Louisville, KY. He was the youngest child and only son of the late Joseph and Lois (Howard) James.
Michael graduated from Woodbury High School as a member of the Class of 1966 and later attended New England College. He dedicated over thirty years of service to the State of Connecticut and made a significant impact throughout his career.
As a longtime resident of Bethlehem, CT, Michael found joy in walking his dogs around the neighborhood and visiting every establishment along the main stretch of the village. His enthusiasm for skiing led him to prepare thoroughly for ski season, ensuring that he could make the most of every trip to the slopes with his friends.
Although not an alumnus of the University of Connecticut, he was an avid supporter of the UConn Huskies, spending countless hours watching UConn basketball and football games. Raised in a family of artists, musicians, and actors, he was as passionate about a Mozart overture as he was about a Lynyrd Skynyrd riff. Above all, he treasured the time he spent with his wife, children, friends, and extended family.
Michael is survived by his wife, Elise Barbour of Louisville, KY; his son, Aaron James of Berlin, CT; his daughter, Lauren Kuring of Tacoma, WA; his stepson, Aaron Barbour of Louisville, KY; his sister, Anne Ryssdal of Portland, OR; his nephews; and numerous friends and family who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his sister Toni.
The family requests that contributions in Michael's memory be made to the Bethlehem Public Library.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 25, from 1:00pm-4:00 pm at the First Church of Bethlehem.
To share a memory of Michael or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook at Newcomer, Louisville, Kentucky.