James R. Principi, “Jimmy” age 84, of Oxford, CT/Englewood, Florida passed on April 16 with loving family by his side.
He is survived by Judy, his devoted wife (or “bride” as he called her) of 29 years. Also surviving him are his son James Principi of Burlington CT, daughter Judy Principi of Fort Walton Beach FL, stepson Tom Caruso of Seymour CT and step-daughter Lisa Fair of Walpole, MA. He also leaves behind his 6 grandchildren; Jimmy, Chris, Nick, Zach, Mia and Michael as well as his beloved feline ChiChi.
Jimmy was born and raised in Ansonia, CT and was the son of the late James and Adele Principi.
He attended Pine High School and went on to become a licensed electrician and was a member of the IBEW Local 90. He served as an Airman Second Class in the Air Force and was extremely patriotic.
An avid vintner, each fall Jimmy would travel to Waterbury to procure the grapes being delivered by train from California to start the process of making his famous homemade wine; a tradition passed onto him by a dear friend. He cared for the wine in his basement and tracked its fermentation by the number of full moons that had passed … truly “old school.”
When the time was just right he happily shared the bottles of “muscatel” and sangiovese with the anxiously awaiting recipients. Jimmy was an accomplished fly fisherman and angler who loved spending time on his boat even when there was no bite. He was a proficient bow hunter, gardener, golfer and cribbage player; a real jack of all trades.
He was a loyal friend who treated everyone like family and went out of his way to lend a helping hand to anyone who was in need. He took great comfort in his faith and was a member of St. Raphael’s Church.
He also held memberships at the American Legion, Citizen’s Fire Company, Eagles Club, St. Michael’s Society, Moose Lodge and Marchegian Club where he made lifelong friendships. Jimmy lived life with the attitude that there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do. In true fashion, he decided to take up drumming at the age of 70 and joined the Mattatuck Drum Corps where he proudly wore their time honored uniform and marched in numerous parades.
Jimmy will be most remembered as the owner of Jimmies Place in Seymour, CT; a restaurant that he operated with his parents and continued to operate until he moved to Florida.
Friends and customers came week after week for his renowned porchetta sandwiches, but they stayed for the company, camaraderie and family that was formed the minute you stepped inside Jimmies Place.
A dyed in the wool Red Sox fan, Jimmy was surrounded by Yankees fans, including his wife, but nonetheless he proudly displayed memorabilia and photos of his beloved team and lifelong idol, Ted Williams on the walls of his establishment. After his move to Florida he loved returning to Jimmies Place every year to resume his place behind the bar, catch up with old friends and enjoy a shot or two of his favorite, Sambuca.
A celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held in Connecticut later this Summer. In the meantime everyone who loved and remembers him is asked to celebrate his life in their own way — perhaps raising a glass of their favorite drink in his honor.
In lieu of flowers, an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone in his name would be a fitting tribute. Alternatively, donations in Jimmy’s name can be made to The Salvation Army or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
