Obituary: James J. Becker, 81, Of Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — (Contributed): James J. Becker, 81, of Stratford, beloved husband of 58 years to Muriel (Casey) Becker, fell asleep in death on April 21, 2024.

He was the son of the late Joseph and Jeanette (Victory) Becker and was born January 8, 1943, in Milford.

Jim grew up in the Walnut Beach neighborhood of Milford where he spent most of his life before moving to Stratford in 2018. He served the community as a Milford Firefighter for 19 years until a heart attack forced him into early retirement in 1982, at the young age of 39.

Over the years Jim eagerly shared stories with family and friends about his time working on the fire department. The proudest accomplishment of his career was on March 31, 1967, when he helped rescue two unconscious children from the third floor of a house fire on Gulf Street. Both children made a full recovery and Jim received numerous awards for this rescue including “Fireman of the Year.”

Jim found pleasure with the simple things in life. He enjoyed camping, road trips to Florida, playing card games, a hot game of Yahtzee, sipping a glass of wine or Southern Comfort on the deck with friends, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy almost every night, or just relaxing with family. In their later years, Jim and Muriel would spend 6 months in Florida every year as “Snowbirds” where they forged many additional friendships in the Bradenton/Sarasota area.

Jim was generous, hospitable, and had a quick-witted sense of humor. The quality many will most remember him fondly for though, was his love for people. He would often be the first person to show up when a friend or family member was in need and would do anything for anyone.

However, the part of Jim's life that he valued most began on April 22, 1972, when he was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He spent the next 52 years in worship to his God, Jehovah, and spent countless hours helping to teach others the beautiful truths that he learned from the Bible. He had the privilege to serve as an elder for over 45 years, most recently in the Paradise Green Congregation in Stratford.

A man of great faith, he held close to his heart the promises found in the scriptures for a better future here on earth.

In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his children, Lori, Jimmy, Jared, and Timothy. He also leaves behind a brother Joe, and 2 daughters-in-law that he deeply cherished, Lisa and Melissa. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by siblings, Jerry, John, Virginia, Louella, Nelson and Earl. Jim will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 210 Old Grassy Hill Rd., Orange CT, 06477. The family will begin greeting visitors at 2 p.m. with a Memorial Service to follow at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Worldwide Work, at donate.jw.org.