- Date Of Birth: May 18, 1937
- Date Of Death: August 10, 2022
- State: Arizona
James Joseph Fleming, formerly of Ridgefield, CT, passed away early in the morning of August 10th, 2022 in Scottsdale, AZ, at the age of 85, in the arms of his loving wife of 49 years, Terry. He was a devoted, loving, patient, and hilarious father, grandfather, and great grandfather to 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 4 (soon to be 5) great grand-children. He was an exceptional provider, and epitomized fatherhood and manhood to his family and to all who knew him.
Born on May 18, 1937, he absorbed and personified the toughness of Chauncey Street in Brooklyn, where he was raised by his mother Margaret and father James, and grew up starring at neighborhood stickball. He served his country honorably as a Specialist First Class on the USS Samuel B. Roberts, manning a 9-millimeter gun, distributing sailor pay, and living stories of fun and mischief that entertained his shipmates and, in later years, his family. He graduated from Pace University where he met the love of his life, Terry. He later became a tax accountant, eventually serving as Deputy Director of Taxes at Gulf & Western – “the best damned tax accounting department in the country.” When a devastating and unknown disability prevented him from continuing to work, he approached his mobility challenges throughout his last four decades of life with exceptional strength, courage, humility, and remarkably good humor.
He had a quick wit, outstanding sense of humor, and an infectious laugh that invited those around him to share in mirth and laughter. A lifelong Dodgers fan who forever maintained their Brooklyn affiliation, he was delighted to see them win the World Series in 2020. A similarly devoted NY Giants fan, he spent numerous cherished hours vehemently rooting for and/or excoriating the team, keeping his family in hysterics and concerned for his blood pressure. He was a crossword aficionado who congenially employed family participation, along with a made up “best guess” as appropriate, to complete them.
He is survived by his wife Terry; daughter Trish (Keith); sons Bill (Caroline) and Kevin (Christina); grandchildren Brooke (Gregg), Brandi (Mike), Kelly, Connor, Mackenzie, and Ryan; brother Rich (Fran) and former wife Pam. He was deeply loved and respected by his family and all who met him.
