James Joseph Nelmes, 58, of Guilford, Conn., died Jan. 31, 2007, at his home.
He was born Feb. 21, 1948, in Canton, the son of James W. and Rita Palin Nelmes of Smithfield. He married Jan Ardolino in 1973 in Guilford. She survives.
Also surviving are three sisters, Nancy Nelmes of Tamarac, Fla., Amy Sabol of Bedford, Texas, and Mary Nelmes of Sterling.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He graduated from Cuba High School and attended the University of Illinois and MacMurray College.
During summer vacations from college, he participated as an actor and musician for various plays at Fulton County Playhouse and was a member of the Saxy Six musical group. While in college, he was a percussionist in the First Regimental Band, which was the nucleus of the Marching Illini and the first symphony at University of Illinois.
He was a member of First Congregational Church in Guilford and sang in the choir several years. He also participated in Cappella Cantorum, a community choris.
He was employed as a sales representative by Clarksburg Casket Co., New Haven Casket Co. and Aurora Casket Co.
Graveside services will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at Cuba Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will be held at 10 a.m. at Cuba Christian Church, followed by an 11 a.m. memorial ceremony. Cremation rites have been accorded by W.S. Clancy Memorial Home in Branford, Conn. Henry Lange Memorial Home in Cuba is in charge of local arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Myrtha Licht Fund, First Congregational Church of Guilford Music Committee, 122 Broad St., Guilford, CT 06437.
Condolences may be sent to www.henrylange.com.