James S. "Jim" Skarupa, age 75, of Shelton, CT and The Villages, FL, beloved husband of Linda (Spodnik) Skarupa, passed away on May 16, 2021 at home.

Jim was born in Bridgeport on September 26, 1945, the eldest son of the late Stephen and Bertha (Kump) Skarupa. He grew up in Fairfield, CT, attended Fairfield Public Schools, and was a graduate of Notre Dame High School, Fairfield class of 1963. Jim was a US Navy veteran, serving aboard amphibious fleet ships in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas, and attaining the rank of Electrician's Mate 2 ^nd Class. While he attended classes at the University of Bridgeport, he often said he graduated from the "school of hard knocks," learning by actually doing.

Jim began his career at the United Illuminating Co., serving in many capacities over 45 years and ultimately retiring as a Sr. Technical Training Specialist.

He settled in Shelton, CT, where he and Linda raised their daughter and hosted many family celebrations. Jim enjoyed attending reunions of his Navy ships' crews as well as working on DIY projects at home. He was a lifelong Yankees fan and a UCONN women's basketball follower. He also liked to white water canoe, go deer hunting each fall in New York State's Adirondack Mountains, collect old baseball cards, and read voraciously. Jim enjoyed watching the History Channel and Discovery Channel, always learning something new. He sang in Trumbull's St. Catherine of Siena adult choir for more than 25 years and was a member and Past Grand Knight of the St. Catherine of Siena Knights of Columbus Council 4016. In 2016, he fulfilled his dream, along with Linda, to own a getaway home in The Villages in Florida where he could try to perfect his golf game and enjoy the warmer winter climate.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Linda, his devoted daughter, Kristen Lindeman and her husband Benjamin of Massachusetts, 2 cherished grandsons, Lucas and Alexander, a brother, Stephen Skarupa and his wife Janne Dolan of Shelton, sister, Susan Esposito and her husband Anthony of Florida, sister-in-law, Patricia Skarupa of Florida, several nieces and nephews, and many extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, Jim was pre-deceased by his brother, Thomas.

A walk-through visitation period will be held on Tuesday, May 25th from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford. Guests are asked to wear face masks and socially distance as they enter the building, pay their respects, and exit in order to allow others the same opportunity. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1950 Barnum Avenue Stratford. Inurnment with full military honors will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim's memory to the Gary Sinise Foundation to support veterans, first responders, and their families (https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/).