James Poggie, Owner of Area Limo Service, Dies At 53

ELLINGTON, CT — James Poggie, known to many area residents as the friendly owner and operator of GG's Limo, passed away Tuesday after a battle with kidney failure. He was 53.

Always with his trusted canine companion Mondo by his side - and prior to that, Bella - Poggie provided luxury transportation to thousands of area revelers. From ballgames at Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium, to concert trips to Madison Square Garden or the casinos, to weddings of all sorts and sizes, and his personal favorite - bachelorette nights out - he and his Lincoln Town Car limousine service always provided a touch of elegance to any affair.

Like many businesses, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic caused bookings to virtually disappear in 2020. One of his final assignments came in June, when he transported an Enfield High School senior and her family to her drive-up graduation ceremony, after school officials had decreed a 1-vehicle-per-family policy (for full disclosure, it was my daughter Mia).

Poggie was very public about his medical issues, regularly posting updates on his Facebook page. His last full-length Facebook message was written on Thanksgiving:

This was by far the hardest year not only for me but also for most of you. I'm ending this year with a positive message. You helped me with messages, phone calls and my GoFundMe page, which helped me with keeping my apartment, medical bills and electricity on. Due to COVID, I lost all my transportation work and had to take cars off the road for now, so I put ALL my energy into fixing me! It was also a rough road, but I managed to push through. I am doing well now, I am much healthier and happier, learning to love myself again. I am thankful for ALL your love and support. Please remember: tomorrow is NOT promised. P.S. you can do anything you set your mind to. Never give up, it’s not too late. Stay positive, take a deep breath and keep going. Thank you, I love you all.

Friends and clients expressed their sadness about Poggie's passing in messages to Patch and through social media.

"My heart will be forever changed," Chrissy Carlson told Patch. "You are never promised tomorrow. Such a kind and grateful friend. I love him and will miss our friendship, but will carry such great memories that will never be erased."

On Facebook, Robin Liucci wrote, "R.I.P. James you will be missed, you have touched hearts of many people, rest easy now."

"The sound of your car from streets away always made me smile!" Tammy Usher wrote. "The smile on your face when you came by my house all those times so Mondo could talk to Chewee and you and I could talk cars (because ya I know a lot about cars - nope) but I feel like you knew that but it was always entertaining. Our Danny’s dressing chats and the days you would bring me a bottle or two because you know I use it on everything. When you brought the limo through Aubree’s birthday parade with Mondo and delivered her a pizza and a hug, that was sweet and totally something you would do. The ball throwing at Danny’s so Mondo didn’t have to just sit in the car while you were waiting for your food. Our chats at the picnic table and our recipe shares. The phone call before I went for my tattoo to calm me to not be nervous. You are missed already, and everyone will cherish the time spent with you. We all needed much more time with you, but God needed you sooner. RIP sweet man till we meet again."

"My heart is broken. I just can't believe you are gone," Jean Magnificent wrote. "I will never ever forget you! Neil Young wrote about you in his song, "Heart Of Gold." I will always miss you. You will be forever in our hearts. Until we meet again."

Lindsey DeSorbo wrote, "I will never forget our late night chat on the way home from a Dave show. You were so kind and compassionate. I am praying for your family and all of those who loved you. Rest easy, my friend."

"My heart is broken," Arissa Schulman wrote. "I spoke to you just two weeks ago, and you were talking about your progress and just how good you had been feeling. So many memories over 2-plus decades of being friends. You always kept in touch with me even after I left Connecticut for the second time. My heart goes out to your daughter, Gianna and your entire family. You will never be forgotten. Rest in Paradise my friend."

Poggie's obituary from Browne Memorial Chapels may be found here.

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