James C. Reed, 82, of Waterbury, passed away in the comfort of his home on Friday, January 19, 2023. He was the loving husband of Deborah (Ann) Delaney-Reed with whom she shared over 30 years together with.
James was born on April 17, 1941 in Wheat, TN the son of the late John and Edna Pierce. When he was just 17, James enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country just before the Cuban Missile Crisis. He traveled all over the world and was stationed on the USS Shangri-La for four years as a signalman and was a true sailor at heart. James worked for the State of Connecticut for 40 years and at one time held the title as its longest working employee. James had a caring heart, enjoyed helping others, and was a friend of Dr. Bob. For much of his life James worked in mental health. It was while he was working at the Fairfield Hills State Hospital that he met his future wife, Deborah. From the moment they met, they were inseparable. They enjoyed spending time together and in their free time traveling the United States. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.
James was very intelligent and enjoyed the strategy of playing chess. He was also a boxer and appreciated the “sweet science” behind the sport. He knew so much about the sport that he was likened to a “boxing encyclopedia”. James was also an avid reader: whether it was the boxing-focused Ring Magazine, novels by Zane Grey, or his favorite book, Gone with the Wind (which he read forty-five times).
Left to cherish his memory, besides his wife Deborah, is his brother-in-law, Timothy Delaney and his wife Naomi of Pierpont, SC; his six nieces and nephews, two great-nieces, one great-nephew (with two on the way), as well as many dear friends.
Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of his family. Loving-kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at
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