James Thomas Doris

James Thomas Doris, 88, of Milford, CT, beloved husband of 60 years to Ellyn (McCormick) Doris, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2020, surrounded by family. Born on June 25, 1932 in Yonkers, NY, he was the son of the late James F. and Olive (Ennis) Doris and stepson of Catherine (Reeves) Doris. 

He graduated from Charles E. Gorton High School in 1950 and joined the US Air Force in October 1952 where he served as an aircrew radio operator in the Far East and elsewhere on B-29s and KC-97 air-to-air refueling aircraft. He was honorably discharged in 1957 with the rank of Staff Sargent. He attended New York State University at Albany, Hunter College and Lehman College.

From 1957, Jim worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller and data systems specialist at LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy Airport and the NY Tracon Facility at Westbury Long Island until his retirement in 1990. In 1992, Jim moved his family to CT, where he was a member of Precious Blood Parish and attended St. Agnes Church in Milford.

Jim was an active basketball and baseball official in NY and CT. He was a true outdoorsman with avid interests in hiking, hunting, fishing, running, biking, dog training, and golf. He was a member of the Milford Trees organization at its inception and a volunteer trail inspector for the Regional Water Authority.

In addition to his loving wife, Ellyn, Jim is survived by his daughters, Valery Forbes (Peter Calow), Suzanne (Andrew) Troetti, Eileen Green (Mike Brown), and a son who died at birth; his grandchildren, Scott Forbes, Alexandra and Samantha Troetti, and Kimberly Green; and his many cousins and extended family members.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 11 am at St. Agnes Church (Precious Blood Parish) 400 Merwin Ave. Milford (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment with Military Honors will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to a charity of your choice. 

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