James “Jim” Edward Ogden II, age 61, of New Fairfield passed away in the early morning of March 9th 2023 after a long illness. Son of the late Edward Urban Ogden and Anne (née Lynch) Ogden, Jim was born in Eatontown, NJ before the family soon moved to Danbury, CT. Jim was the middle child in the Ogden household, with older brothers Richard, Dennis (deceased 1970) and Edward (Bart), and younger siblings Anne-Marie and Michael (deceased 2022).
From a young age Jim—or “Jimmy” as he was known to family and friends—was drawn to the sciences. He was enthralled with the space race and sci-fi novels, a passion that continued for the rest of his life. Graduating in 1985 from Western Connecticut State University, Jim followed his passion for math and computers and started a career in software engineering.
Jim met his wife Melissa (née Mackenzie) and they moved to New Fairfield and married in 1991. They were blessed with two daughters- Amanda in 1992 and Lindsay in 1994. The family enjoyed many trips down to Disney World in Florida, which was a special place for Jim. Since visiting for the first time as a young boy, Jim was captivated with the history and stories in the founding of Disney and procured a large collection of Disney memorabilia over the years.
Jim was one of those guys that couldn’t go to the grocery store or across the country without running into someone he knew. Whether it was a school mate from his years at St. Peter’s or Danbury High School, or one of his runners from the track team…it seemed like he was constantly being greeted by friends and acquaintances. For a man who was a member of so many clubs and boards, it’s not much of a surprise, though. The New Fairfield Parks and Recreation Committee, the Exchange Club of Danbury, the Danbury Historical Society, Preserve New Fairfield, the Rick Brandt Club, the Candlewood Knolls Board, the New Fairfield Flash Track team…the list goes on. He never met a club that he eventually didn’t get involved in. It was in his nature to step up, join in, and help. He was always there to help and lend a hand when it was needed.
Jim had many interests (making him a fierce trivia competitor) including: the space race, American history, sci-fi books and movies, playing boardgames with his daughters, family genealogy, attending NY Mets games with his brothers, and coaching/officiating track & field events. In the summer Jim could be found lounging with friends at the community beach or on the deck enjoying the firepit in the evening. The rest of the year you were likely to find him at a board meeting or a track meet, coaching the next generation of athletes.
He was a devoted father and husband, a true friend, a dedicated coach, and a great man. He will be missed by many, as he was loved by all.
Donations in Jim’s honor can be made to the New Fairfield Flash Track team by check to: New Fairfield Track Club, PO Box 8446, New Fairfield CT 06812 (Memo: Jim Ogden Scholarship)
A celebration of life event will take place on Saturday, April 8th from 2pm-7pm at the Candlewood Knolls Clubhouse at 1 Lakeshore Drive North., Candlewood Knolls, in New Fairfield, CT.
