James Patrick McDermott

James Patrick McDermott, the beloved husband of Ann (Farrish) McDermott, passed away peacefully at his home in Tucson, Arizona on August 26, 2024. He was 72.

He was born Feb 5, 1952 in New Haven, Connecticut to Joseph and Doris McDermott of Hamden, Connecticut.

Jim always said he had an idyllic childhood, growing up in a beautiful home near Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden with plenty of woods and streams to play in. Jim was always athletic, and he loved running and hiking. 

Jim also loved his work in aerospace technology for various divisions of United Technologies Corp., including Pratt & Whitney and Sikorsky Aircraft. He was especially proud of prototypes he created for brain wave studies at the University of Arizona that went on the Space Shuttle. His expertise was troubleshooting. He loved a challenge, and he never met a problem he couldn’t fix and make better.

Jim was known for his wonderful sense of humor. He was always good natured, always had a smile on his face and was always whistling a happy tune. He will be missed beyond words.

In addition to his wife of 49 years, Jim leaves his sister, Patty Ann Bassi of Bethany, CT, and her husband Joseph, and his brother Joe McDermott of Danielson, CT. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law John and Garianne Farrish of Murphysboro, Illinois; Thomas and Katherine Farrish of Tolland, CT, and Robert Farrish of Hartford, CT. He will be fondly remembered by his best friend and longtime caregiver John Sells, his “adopted 2nd mom” Jane Svejkar, his nephews and nieces Joe, Brent, Emily, Carla and Bruce Bassi, his nephew Daniel Farrish and his nieces Amanda and Alison Farrish.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Doris and Joe McDermott, and his brother Michael McDermott, all of Hamden.

In addition to his family, Jim was devoted to animals. He ran an animal charity in his spare time that helped pet owners handle the high cost of veterinary care. In lieu of flowers, his family is requesting that donations to be made in Jim’s name to any no-kill shelter or animal rescue organization. Two of his favorites were Cherished Tails, P.O. Box 631, Marana, AZ 85653, and Pima Paws for Life, 2555 W. Zinnia Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.