Mr. James Melvin Caesar

WATERTOWN– Mr. James Melvin Caesar, age 85, of Watertown, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 9th, 2024, at home with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Linda (Sautner) Caesar.

Mr. Caesar was born on February 6, 1939, in Ansonia, Connecticut to the late Archie and Gladys (Hamilton) Caesar. After graduating Ansonia High School in 1956, Mr. Caesar attended Southern Connecticut State College earning a BS in 1960 and an M.S. in 1979. A teacher for over thirty years in the Danbury public school system, Mr. Caesar began his career at Danbury High School, later transferring to Rogers Park Middle School. At Rogers Park he met fellow teacher and future wife, Linda Sautner. The two would embark upon a forty-five-year partnership of love, laughter, and mutual respect. Mr. Caesar was immensely proud of their son, Christopher-James, a frequent co-conspirator in his father’s goofy antics. Mr. Caesar was a lifelong gardener and philatelist. Stamps and plants were rampant at Casa Caesar. His vibrant flower beds and rich vegetable patch became legendary, sparking “garden wars” with his niece in Michigan. Later in life, Mr. Caesar became a diligent family genealogist, generously sharing his meticulous research with family members, both near and distant. He was very proud of his rich African American and Native American ancestry. Intellectually curious, Mr. Caesar never stopped learning. A room of his house was devoted to books on a head spinning number of subjects, including his all-time favorite...dinosaurs! Toy Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex roamed the kitchen counters and shelves. Mr. Caesar will be remembered for his side-splitting wit and generous spirit. He was especially devoted to his two grandchildren, Oliver Samuel and Emily Rose. They were the absolute joy and light of his life. Mr. Caesar was a fun uncle, loyal friend, dedicated teacher, loving brother, husband, father and grandfather, but most of all, he was simply a kind, gentle man who enriched our lives beyond measure.

Left to honor his legacy and cherish his memory besides his beloved wife Linda, is a son, Christopher-James “C-J” Caesar (Rev. Kelly Jane) of Manchester, CT, grandchildren, Oliver and Emily Caesar, siblings Robert (Margaret) Caesar and Jacqueline (Thomas) MacCalla of California and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings: Millard Caesar, Lawrence Caesar, Archie Caesar, Jr., Charlotte Caesar, Wesley Campbell, Jerome Campbell, William Campbell and Donald H. Campbell.

His family would like to thank Home Hospice of Trinity Health of New England for the care and compassion they provided for Mr. Caesar and his family.

 A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, October 2nd at 11:00 am at All Saints with Christ Episcopal Church, 262 Main Street, Oakville, Connecticut 06779.Burial will be held privately at the convenience of his family. There are no calling hours. Casey- O’Neill Funeral Homea and Cremation care, 742 Main Street, Oakville, CT has been honored to assist the Caesar family during this difficult time. To honor Mr. Caesars memory the family asks that donations be made in his name to the Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center in lieu of flowers. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence or words of comfort or share a memory of someone important to you with your family and friends. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so.