Obituary: James Edgar Foley Sr., 93, of Clinton

From Guilford Funeral Home

James Edgar Foley Sr., 93, of Clinton, widower of his beloved wife and best friend Naomi Griffin Foley, died on April 5, 2018, after a brief illness. He was born in East Hartford on May 22, 1924, to the late Edgar James Foley and Ola Dowen Belknap. Spending summers in Clinton with his grandparents, Ralph S. and Gertrude Dowen, he turned into a life-long Clinton resident, meeting the love of his life, Naomi. Jim was a gentleman’s gentleman, with much love and caring for his family and friends. During WWII, he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces, obtaining staff sergeant rank, as a B29 tail-gunner of the 878th Bombardment Squadron, 20AF – Base – Saipan, earning a Purple Heart for his bravery participating in the Japan Air Offensive. He is survived by his three children, James E. Foley, Jr. (Toni) of New York; Bruce C. Foley (Kathy) of Pennsylvania; and Janice Foley Lane (Chuck) of Branford; and his grandchildren Shane, Griffin, Sarah, Colin, Luke, and Britney. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Betty Meyer, Naomi’s sister, of Higganum, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Jim was predeceased by his sister Evelyn F. Johnson and his grandson Seamus D. Foley.

Private services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to the Clinton Ambulance Association (35 East Main Street, Clinton, CT 06413) or The Connecticut Hospice Inc. (100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405).

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Guilford Funeral Home here.