Obituary of James M. Kish Jr.

James M. Kish, Jr., age 86, of Southbury and formerly of Trumbull, beloved husband of Mary Keating Kish, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 19, 2017 at his home with his loving family by his side. Born on December 17, 1930 in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late James M. Sr., and Helen Kosany Kish. Jim was a Supervisor of Physical Education, completed 43 years as a teacher, coach and administrator in the Bridgeport School System. Jim began his teaching career in 1957 after service in the Korean War with the U.S. Army. He earned his B.S. degree at Arnold College and his M.A. and Sixth Year Certificate from the University of Bridgeport.

His passion for basketball led him to many coaching positions, including, Fairfield University, University of Bridgeport, Harding High School and West Side and Middle Street Boys Club. While coaching at Harding, he developed one of the finest basketball programs in New England with a record of 178-48. A dedicated educator and coach, he mentored many area boys, and helped them achieve their goals and showed them with hard work anything can be accomplished. He was involved in many basketball clinics throughout the U.S., including Nike, Converse, Pro Keds and many more. He served his community in many ways. He assisted in raising funds to support many area organizations; Boys and Girls Club, Kennedy Center, Police Athletic League, Barnum Festival and the Sheehan Center, to name a few. Jim was a member of the Greater Bridgeport Oldtimers Athletic Association and past recipient of the Outstanding Sportsman Award.

Jim received many accolades and was an inspiration to many but above all his titles none was more important than that of husband, father and grandfather. The unconditional love and care he provided will live in the hearts of his family forever. He will truly be missed by all.

In addition to his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary, survivors include three loving daughters, Maureen Fritz of Southbury, Patti Yacavone and her husband John of Stamford and Kerry Eastman and her husband Brian of Easton, five cherished grandchildren, Melissa, Jessica, Jason, Kyra, Morgan, 10 great grandchildren; a sister, Barbara Piccirillo of Milford, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son-in-law, Gregory Fritz.

Funeral services will take place on Monday, June 26, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 11:00 a.m. in St. Theresa Church, Trumbull for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with military honors will follow in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Sunday from 1 – 5 p.m.

At Jim's request, in lieu of flowers memorial contribution may be made to the Greater Bridgeport Athletic Association ( Old Timers), c/o Jim Wood 142 Longfellow Rd., Shelton, CT 06484, to establish an award in his memory.