Obituary: James Francis McCann, 74, Of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — (From B.C. Bailey Funeral Home): James Francis McCann, 74, of Wallingford, passed away on May 4, 2023, at Midstate Medical Center in Meriden. Jim was born on September 16, 1948 in Meriden, CT, son to the late James and Elizabeth (Luca) McCann. He was the loving husband of Elizabeth "Betsy" (Bossidy) McCann of Wallingford.

Jim graduated in 1966 from William H. Hall High School in West Hartford, CT. He briefly attended Central Connecticut State University before leaving to pursue a music career playing guitar. He traveled around and played in various bands. Among them was Daddy Warbux in the Boston area, Nightbird in Connecticut, The Gandy Dancers, and Book of Matches to name a few.

Jim opened his own business, Custom Guitar, which was located on Colony Street in Wallingford. It was in this shop that he repaired and sold guitars. In 1983 he decided to continue his education. He graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 1985 and went on to graduate from the University of Bridgeport School of Law with a degree of Juris Doctor in 1988.

Jim has been a self-employed attorney in the Connecticut legal system since 1989. He also briefly worked for the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection. In the courtroom Jim was a strong negotiator, had unsurpassed persuasive skills, and worked with a variety of diverse clients and professionals. He was well known for his story telling and witty sense of humor.

Besides being an attorney and playing guitar, Jim enjoyed boating and spent summers with his family either docked at Pilots Point Marina in Westbrook, CT or exploring the New England Coast at the helm of his boat, "Jenny's Travisty". Jim was also a member of the Menunketesuck Yacht Club.

In recent years, even though Jim considered himself semi-retired, he maintained a home office where not only did he continue to practice law, but he also continued to repair and play his ("first love") guitars. But, above all else, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and spoiling his grandchildren.

Besides his loving wife of 37 years, Jim is survived by his son Travis and wife Jennifer, his daughter Jennifer and husband Tom, grandchildren Cameron and Maxine McCann and Bradley, Ethan and Addisyn Rascati, stepson Joshua Cody, a son from a previous marriage James McCann, his stepmother Lorraine McCann, his stepsisters Jill Dailey and Wendy Bruttomesso and their families, his stepsisters Cindy Bubar and Lorrie Johnson and their families, a west coast family member Adam Dichter, and a brother from another mother Chuck Maher.

Jim will be greatly missed by his LOVING FAMILY.

Services for Jim will be private and at the convenience of his family. The B.C. Bailey Funeral Home of Wallingford, CT has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Heart Association by going to www.heart.org.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit B.C. Bailey Funeral Home here.