H. James Mowrey

H. James Mowrey died in Deland Florida on Friday March 19, 2010. He was born on September 17th 1945 to Rachel and Harley Mowrey of West Hartford. He graduated from Conard High School in 1963 and from Ripon College in Wisconsin in 1967 where he was a member of Delta Epsilon. After college Jim served in the US Army for four years as a lieutenant. He had been employed by Federal Express, Pioneer Parachute Company, and retired from Scan Optics in Manchester, CT in 2009 when he moved to Deland Florida. Jim leaves his proud mother Rachel Weir Mowrey of West Hartford, his brother-in-law Jack Halibozek of West Hartford and his nephew Matthew Halibozek of Essex Junction VT. He was predeceased by his sister MaryAnn Halibozek and his uncle James Fraser Weir of Chester. Jim was an ardent sportsman, he was a long time member of the NRA, an active parachutist and past president of four terms for the Connecticut Parachutists Inc, and a pilot and drop zone manager. Early in his career he was proud to be a first officer DC3 pilot for an Indiana based charter airline. He flew more than 1900 commercial flight hours and over a thousand hours ferrying skydivers. Jim personally made over 3800 jumps and served 10 years as the New England States regional director on the board of the US Parachute Association. During his tenure as chairman of the U.S.P.A. safety and training committee, skydiving fatalities nationwide declined from more than fifty skydivers per year to 23 per year. Similarly, student fatalities also saw a dramatic decline. Jim was also a member of the Manchester Fireman's and Policeman's Bagpipe Band, an enthusiastic runner and competed in the Manchester road race for many years. His passion for these activities was only exceeded by his care and concern for his family and friends. Friends may visit the family at Molloy Funeral Home 906 Farmington Ave. West Hartford on April 6 from 10-11:30 am. Following the visitation Jim will be buried in Soldiers Field at Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at Avon Old Farms, Avon following the burial. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Ripon College, 300 Seward St., PO Box 248, Ripon WI 54971-0248 or to a charity of your choice.

H. James Mowrey

September 17, 1945 - March 19, 2010