James Brainerd Ventres, of Moodus passed away peacefully on the evening of June 12, 2025. Born February 12, 1931. One of five children of George Elmer Ventres and Mrytle (Frey) Ventres. Jim graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1949 where he lettered in soccer, basketball, and baseball. Following high school Jim attended the University of Connecticut before enlisting to serve in the U.S. Airforce. While spending his last two years at Larson Airforce Base in Washington State, Jim’s passion for sports persisted, playing centerfield for the Airforce baseball team while traveling the west coast. Upon his honorable discharge in 1955 Jim returned home to East Haddam CT. During this time Jim began his career with Pratt & Whitney where he worked until his retirement thirty-five years later. He spent decades involved in local community service with the East Haddam Little League and the American Legion, especially the American Legion Post 156 Baseball program and as past Commander of the Post. In his free time Jim could often be found enjoying his day fishing the Long Island Sound, watching soccer, or rooting for the Red Sox.

Jim is survived by his sister, Joanne Walker; his five children: Jim Ventres (Mary), Linda DiMartino (Brian), Richard Ventres (Jen), Robert Ventres (Beverly), and Sharon Ventres; six grandchildren: Jeff Ventres (Laura), Julian Ventres (Brittany), Hannah, Nathan, and Victoria DiMartino, and Todd Ventres; and great-granddaughter Eleanor. In addition to his parents, Jim is Predeceased by his siblings George Ventres, William Ventres, and Jean Blake, Along with his beloved wife Theresa (Sypega) Ventres.  The family would like to thank Chestelm Health & Rehabilitation Center for the kind and dedicated care of dad.  A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Legion Post 156 Baseball Program or St. Jude.org. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Aurora-McCarthy Funeral home of Colchester. To share a memory of Jim, or leave an online condolence please visit: www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com