James A. Curtis

James A. Curtis, long-time resident of Harwinton, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Corinne (Kemezis) Curtis for 58 years. Born on June 14,1936 in Newcastle, New Brunswick, Canada, Jim was the son of the late Mary Blanche (Manderville) and Raymond Curtis. Jim spent his early years living on his grandfather’s farm on the banks of the Miramichi River. There he not only learned the skills of hunting and fishing but also enjoyed numerous mischievous adventures. Jim later moved to Torrington as a teenager with his family and began working at the Palace and Warner Theaters as a young adult. Jim ultimately moved to Harwinton, where he enjoyed a full life with his wife and two children.

Jim was a member of the class of ’55 at Torrington High School, later graduating from Waterbury State Technical College. He was also a member of the Air Force Reserve, fulfilling an administrative specialist role. Jim spent 43 years as an employee of the Torrington Company, initially working at the Excelsior Plant and then later working in and ultimately retiring from the metallurgical lab in a supervisory role.

Jim believed strongly in giving back to his community, serving various local organizations throughout his life. Early on, he enjoyed volunteering with the Harwinton Youth Sports Association as well as driving for Harwinton Ambulance. Jim was a member of St. Michael’s Parish in Litchfield. He was an enthusiastic and devoted member of the Harwinton Agricultural Society and spent many years working as a director of the Harwinton Fair. Jim, always appreciative of history, was also a member of the Harwinton Historical Society, serving as a director.

Jim enjoyed his annual trips to Canada, tinkering with his apple trees, garden and yard, making maple syrup, as well as spending time with his beloved family.

In addition to his loving wife Corinne, he is survived by his two children, son David Curtis and wife Susan of Barkhamsted and daughter Susan Wright and husband Frank of Harwinton. In addition, he leaves four grandchildren, Alyssa Odell and husband Michael, Justin Curtis, Andrew Wright, and Lucas Wright, all of whom he adored deeply. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Allison, as well as brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Marilyn Childs.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church, 25 South Street, Litchfield, CT 06759. Relatives and friends are asked to meet directly at St. Michael’s Church. Burial will follow at St. Francis New Cemetery, Torrington, CT.  Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Harwinton Public Library (80 Bentley Drive, Harwinton, CT 06791) or to the Harwinton Historical Society (P. O. Box 84, Harwinton, CT 06791.