James Thomas Terry passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, in East Haddam, Connecticut. He was 79 years old.
Born on January 10, 1946, in New London, Connecticut, James lived a life marked by service, creativity, and devotion. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War—a chapter that reflected the steadfast spirit he carried throughout his years.
James found profound joy behind the lens of a camera. Through photography, he captured fleeting moments and transformed them into lasting memories. His images echoed his appreciation for life’s quiet beauty and his desire to preserve it for others.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Nancy Terry; his sister, May Terry; and his children: Joanna Gabriel and her husband David Gabriel, Jessica Terry, and Jennifer Peterson and her husband Robert Peterson. He also held a special place in the hearts of his stepsons: Kenneth Watkins and his wife Rachelle Watkins, David Watkins and his wife Angela Watkins, and Bill Watkins and his wife Valerie Watkins.
James was a proud grandfather to Samuel Wright, Calvin Gabriel, Eli Phelan, Cheyenne Smith, Jaiden Peterson, Justin Watkins, Braden Watkins, Denise Watkins, Sarah Watkins, Katelyn Watkins, and Melissa Hashem and her husband Jeff Hashem. His legacy carries forward through great-grandchildren Everett Watkins, Sophia Isabel Sablan, and Jacob Hashem.
He also leaves behind his niece Michelle Steeves and her husband Mark Steeves; and nephew Adam Morse.
James was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Mabel Terry; brothers Arthur Terry and Mike Terry; and niece Elizabeth Morse.
A Prayer Service will be held on November 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 900 RT 163, Oakdale, CT 06370.
May James’s memory be a blessing to all who knew him—a testament to a life lived with grace.
Born on January 10, 1946, in New London, Connecticut, James lived a life marked by service, creativity, and devotion. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War—a chapter that reflected the steadfast spirit he carried throughout his years.
James found profound joy behind the lens of a camera. Through photography, he captured fleeting moments and transformed them into lasting memories. His images echoed his appreciation for life’s quiet beauty and his desire to preserve it for others.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Nancy Terry; his sister, May Terry; and his children: Joanna Gabriel and her husband David Gabriel, Jessica Terry, and Jennifer Peterson and her husband Robert Peterson. He also held a special place in the hearts of his stepsons: Kenneth Watkins and his wife Rachelle Watkins, David Watkins and his wife Angela Watkins, and Bill Watkins and his wife Valerie Watkins.
James was a proud grandfather to Samuel Wright, Calvin Gabriel, Eli Phelan, Cheyenne Smith, Jaiden Peterson, Justin Watkins, Braden Watkins, Denise Watkins, Sarah Watkins, Katelyn Watkins, and Melissa Hashem and her husband Jeff Hashem. His legacy carries forward through great-grandchildren Everett Watkins, Sophia Isabel Sablan, and Jacob Hashem.
He also leaves behind his niece Michelle Steeves and her husband Mark Steeves; and nephew Adam Morse.
James was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Mabel Terry; brothers Arthur Terry and Mike Terry; and niece Elizabeth Morse.
A Prayer Service will be held on November 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 900 RT 163, Oakdale, CT 06370.
May James’s memory be a blessing to all who knew him—a testament to a life lived with grace.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Terry, please visit our flower store.
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