James R. Cronin

Cronin, James (Jim) Robert James R. Cronin (Jim), 96 of Simsbury, husband of the late Mary Jane (Yarosz) Cronin, passed away peacefully on March 6th. Jim was born October 4, 1927 in Hartford, CT. He was the son of the late Timothy and Gladys (Johnston) Cronin. He married his high school sweetheart, and they were happily married for 66 years until Mary Jane’s passing in 2020. Jim attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School, West Middle School and Hartford Public High. Jim’s lifelong love of the game of golf started early in life when he caddied at Wampanoag Country Club, barely able to carry the bag. In high school, Jim worked part-time for G. Fox & Co. and while there, witnessed the Hartford Circus Fire, offering rescue assistance in a delivery truck. Jim was a patriotic Navy veteran, having enlisted at age seventeen. He served on the Harold J. Ellison and sailed to North Africa, Greece, Italy, Spain and Canada. Upon his discharge, Jim attended Abbey Prep in Simsbury where he played basketball and football. He graduated from Central CT Teacher’s College. He obtained his MA and 6th year degree from Univ. of Hartford. Jim was a long-time educator in Bloomfield. As Principal of the Junior High, he earned a reputation as being a masterful administrator, creating an environment based upon learning achievement, staff comradery, discipline and excellence, and was known as “Mr. Bloomfield Junior High”. His community involvement was extensive. Jim’s many civic contributions included serving as Bloomfield’s Bicentennial Commissioner, Chairman of the Board of Selectman, Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and Bloomfield Rotary Club President. Through his service, he gained many valued, life-long friendships. In retirement, he completed a renovation of his cottage on Cape Cod and enjoyed playing golf at Highland Links in Truro MA, where Jim won five Senior Golf Championships. Socially, Jim participated in The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, The Bloomfield Golf Association, playing poker and enjoying breakfast dates with many dear friends. He and Mary Jane graciously hosted family and friends for holiday celebrations and summer vacations on Cape Cod. Jim loved a good book, keeping a running of list of completions. An avid sports fan, he followed NFL, Golf, UCONN basketball and MLB (Go Red Sox). He is survived by his daughters: Robin (Orest) Stelmach, Kimberly (Jeff) Palmer (and their children Tracie (Cynthia) Palmer, Scott Palmer and James Palmer), and Pamela (Ray) Marra (and their children Gregory (Elizabeth) Stanton Marra, and Christopher (Rachel) Marra). He leaves two great grandchildren and was predeceased by his sister Geraldine Shay, and brothers Richard and William Cronin. Calling hours will be held on Monday, March 11th from 10am-10:45am at Sacred Heart Church 26 Wintonbury Ave. Bloomfield, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11am. Burial will be private. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

James R. Cronin

October 4, 1927 - March 6, 2024