Brian Keith James

Brian James, age 50, Danbury, Connecticut, died peacefully after a long struggle with lung cancer on July 5, 2020. His brother, Ben, and sister-in-law, Catrina were at his side. Brian was born on August 1, 1969 in Dallas, Texas.

He had a rough start in life, and at age 4, after a long hospital stay, he was placed in foster care. Billy James, Brian’s father, was on a business trip in Dallas in 1973 where he saw an announcement on television for hundreds of children available for adoption. Billy called immediately and had an appointment to meet Brian the next day. He made a quick call to his wife and visited Brian. Within weeks Brian was adopted by the James family of Southbury, Connecticut where he was welcomed with open arms by his new parents and eight brothers and sisters. He quickly became part of the James’ active household and developed a particularly close and lasting bond with his brother Ben.

Brian graduated from Pomperaug High School in 1990. He had a particular knack with machinery and computers which when he was younger, sometimes meant things were taken apart and not put back together. Brian most recently worked for Scholastic Books and masterfully installed railings for decks and porches. Brian is remembered for his infectious smile, generosity, good humor and kindness to all who knew him.

He is survived by his parents, Billy and Marilyn (Rittman) James; sisters, Laura (Ian) Bennett, Melissa James-Norment, Leah (Joe) Pullaro, and Linda James; Brothers, Chris (Vivan) James, Curt (Michele) James, Richard James, Ben (Catrina) James; and 15 nieces and nephews, Giulianna, Mike, Lilly, Andrew, Bryan, Margaret, Ellen, and Aasha Pullaro; Billy and Charlie James; Liza and Martin Norment; Sam and Max Bennett; Cori-Lynne Darcy and Trevor James.

Brian did not want people to be sad about his death. Instead, he wanted a party for friends and family, but due to covid-19, this will be delayed until it is safe enough to carry out his final wish. In memory of Brian please donate to any of the following service organizations: Regional Hospice of Danbury, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810 or Family and Childrens Aid, 75 West Street Danbury, CT

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