Obituary: James F. Conley, 81, of Fairfield

From Spear-Miller Funeral Home

James F. Conley, 81, of Stratford, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 15, 2018. Jim was a strong man who made this world a better place. He will be remembered for his compassion, kindness toward others, quick sense of humor, and his love for sports. He will truly be missed by his family and many friends.

Jim was born in Bridgeport to the late James F. Conley and Catherine McMahon. He was educated at the St. Charles School in Bridgeport, Roger Ludlowe High School in Fairfield, New Haven State Teacher’s College and the University of Bridgeport. He was a standout athlete in both high school and college as a member of the varsity track and field, soccer, and tennis teams.

Jim had a dual career for the Town of Fairfield working for both the Recreation Department and the Public Schools. He held many recreation positions including playground instructor, lifeguard, indoor rec supervisor, Connie Mack League Director and was promoted to Assistant Director in 1957. He was a program innovator and champion for the special needs population. He was the first Director of Penfield Pavilion when the Town purchased Sun Haven Beach Club in 1976.

Jim touched many lives during his teaching career. He served as a mentor to many students in and out of the classroom. He taught grade six at Fairfield Woods and Nathan Hale before moving into Special Education at Tomlinson Junior High, Roger Ludlowe High and Fairfield High. Jim was inducted into the Connecticut Association for Learning Disabilities Hall of Fame in 1983. He retired in 1994 after 34 years of excellence in the classroom.

Jim was a natural athlete who participated in many sports including softball, basketball, and golf. He enjoyed traveling with family especially to Cape Cod, Lake George, Vermont, and Florida. Jim was a childhood NY Yankee fan who became an adult NY Mets fan. He often attended Spring Training with his wife on winter trips to Florida. His football team was the NY Giants.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Fannie Papageorge Conley, his children: Michael Conley of Fairfield; Maura Smith and her husband, Jason, of Milford; Kim Sokolski and her husband, David, of Fairfield; Kevin Conley and his wife, Denise, of Black Rock; and Susan Conley and John Thomas of Milford. Grandchildren are Todd Conley, Casey and Joe Sokolski and Jake Conley. He is also survived by one great-granddaughter , a brother, Robert Conley of St. Augustine, Florida, a niece Kristin Conley of Shelton and nephew, Ryan Conley of Fairfield.

Jim was an animal lover. Anyone wishing to may make a contribution to TLC Sweet Souls Rescue, 53 Hanover Road, Newtown, CT 06470. Attention to Laura Dorr and Kim Sokolski.

The family would like to thank the Connecticut Hospice, Inc. Home Care for their kind and compassionate support of Jim during his final months.

A funeral service will be held Monday, May 21, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. Interment will follow in Willowbrook Cemetery, Westport.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Spear-Miller Funeral Home here.