James Edward Dowd, Jr., of East Haddam and formerly of Wallingford, passed away on February 16, 2026. He was 84 years old. James was born on July 31, 1941, in New Haven, CT. He was a son of the late James and Beryl (Bowman) Dowd, Sr. He married his beloved wife, Shirley Cari on August 3, 1963. The couple settled in Wallingford where they made their home and raised their family.

James served with the Wallingford Volunteer Fire Department for several years. In 1997, they moved to their retirement home in East Haddam. He was a 4th Degree Knight with the Spellman Council, Knights of Columbus and a parishioner of St. Andrew Church in Colchester. James retired several years ago after a long and successful career for over 60 years as a member of the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union, Local 777. He was a lifetime member of the Fin, Fur, and Feather Club, and throughout his life, he loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and later, watching UCONN basketball. Most importantly, his fondest memories were made by spending time with his family.

James will be sadly missed but always remembered with love by all who knew him, especially his wife of 63 years, Shirley; his children and their spouses, James E. Dowd III of Colchester, Andrew Dowd (Christine Wright-Dowd) of Lebanon, Daniel (Emily) Dowd of Jeffersonton, VA; a sister, Jacqueline Williams of Sandsprings, OK; nine grandchildren, Christopher, Daniel, Timothy, Hannah, Tyler, Shannon and Samantha Dowd, Tyler Swift, Benjamin Ruggiero; five great grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Kevin Dowd; a grandson, James Dowd, IV; and siblings, Thomas, William and Marilyn.

Funeral services will be held at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Rd., Colchester beginning with calling hours on Sunday, February 22nd from 1 3pm. The funeral Mass will be held on April 25th at 11AM directly at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 128 Norwich Ave, Colchester. A burial will take place on April 25, 2026, at New St. Andrew Cemetery in Colchester at 12 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to COPD foundation/ learn more, take action and breathe better at www.COPD foundation.org For online condolences or to share a story of James, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com

Events
Visitation

Sunday, February 22, 2026
1:00PM - 3:00PM
Aurora McCarthy Funeral Home, Inc.
167 Old Hartford Rd.
Colchester, CT 06415
Email: auroramccarthy@hotmail.com
Phone: (860) 537-9611

Funeral Liturgy
Saturday, April 25, 2026
11:00AM
St. Andrew Catholic Church
128 Norwich Ave
Colchester, CT 06415

Graveside
Saturday, April 25, 2026
12:00PM
New St. Andrew Cemetery
Gillettes Lane
Colchester, CT 06415

Final Resting Place

New St. Andrew Cemetery
Gillettes Lane
Colchester, CT 06415

Memorial Contributions
COPD Foundation