James Brownell Obituary

James A. Brownell, Sr. of Oxford, passed away peacefully, at home, in the loving arms of his wife on July 2, 2025. He was born to the late Nile and Muriel (Carson) Brownell on October 21, 1939 in Bridgeport. James graduated from Bullard-Havens (in the Auto Department). Jim first worked as a caddy at Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course in Bridgeport. At 16, Howard Seaman gave him a job, teaching him hands-on auto repair. Jim enlisted in the Army in 1957, as a heavy equipment operator, stationed in Panama. After he was honorably discharged he worked at Avco in Stratford. Jim owned and operated J.A.B. Sanitation Co. and Seaman's Service Station. Upon closing those businesses he "retired", and worked as a truck driver for Call Peter Refuse Co. He enjoyed playing golf with his son, Jimmy, and cheered for his daughter Tracy at her sports events. He totally loved his grandchildren and supported them with all of their activities. Jim was a strong, quiet man. He stayed friends with his neighborhood buddies- they would gather at the gas station (their club house) talking and laughing for hours. He was predeceased by his brother, Nile, and his sisters Betty (Smithy) Kowal and Bonnie Cook. Jim is survived by his wife of over 53 years, Joyce (Baisley) Brownell; his son James Jr. and wife Rita of Oxford; his daughter Tracy and husband David of South Carolina; his grandchildren: James Arthur Brownell III, Annie (Jason) Woike, Hailee and Karslyn Beam; and many nieces and nephews. Jim's family would like to offer their thanks to the Hartford Healthcare Hospice team; especially Christine Herrity and Larissa- he looked forward to their visits. Their support was deeply appreciated- they always made him smile! We all miss Jim terribly. A private memorial to celebrate Jim's life will be held at a later date. Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to care for James and assist his family during this time. Please leave your condolences, words of comfort, and memories of James for his family on his Tribute Wall on this website. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James A. Brownell Sr., please visit our floral store.