James Kowalyshyn Sr. of Hampton, CT, passed away June 20 2026 of natural causes at Hartford Hospital. Jim was born to parents Stephen John Kowalyshyn & Marie Yvonne Kowalyshyn (Maheu) in Willimantic, CT, and lived there for most of his life, surrounded by his fourteen brothers and sisters. He later moved to Hampton, CT, looking for quiet, and plenty of space for his hobbies. Jim worked many jobs including roofing and siding, but most notably, Jim worked at the University of Connecticut in the plumbing department for over 25 years. As a young single father, he worked hard, with the help of family to raise his son. Jim was very skilled in repairing everything from engines to furnaces. He was always willing to help family and friends with his skills when they were in need and was happy to help someone with a plumbing problem, often asking for little in return other than maybe lunch and some company. Jim in retirement enjoyed many hobbies. He raised chicken and turkeys, had a large vegetable garden, kept bees and produced honey, and explored alternative energy sources, namely wind and solar. James is survived by a son James Kowalyshyn Jr. and his wife Denise, granddaughter Autumn Shaw and her husband Eric Shaw, great-grandchildren Lex and Jolene Shaw; siblings, Mary Kowalyshyn, Karen Light, Micheal Kowalyshyn, Linda and Allen Harbec, Robert Kowalyshyn, Donna and Fran Jalbert, Debra Ann Parillo, Jane and Peter Galipeau, Marie and Eric Young.

James was lovingly reunited with his wife: Mary Ann (Desautels) Kowalyshyn siblings, Stephen Kowalyshyn Jr., Patricia Burkholder, John Kowalyshyn, William Kowalyshyn, Kenneth Kowalyshyn and not to be forgotten those who called him Uncle Jim or Uncle Jimmy, family or not!

James’ family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, July 6, 2026 from 9:00am to 11:00am at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. Willimantic. A graveside service will begin at 11:30am at St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham.