James Robert Nord, age 62, of Branford, Connecticut, passed away on Tuesday, August 10, 2021. He was born on June 11, 1959, in Queens, New York.
He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Dawn Irvin-Nord, his daughter, Kristen Nord, her daughters, Gianna and Alexa, his son, Todd Nord, Todd’s partner, Sarah Roche, their daughter, Breeann, mother, Marilyn Nord, brother, John Nord, John’s wife, Kim Nord, his sons, John Jr. and Alec, brother, Thomas Nord, Thomas’s wife, Cindy Nord, his sons, Joshua and Thomas David, and their wives and children, and brother, Christopher Nord, Christopher’s wife, Amy Nord, and their son Colton. James is preceded in death by his father, George Nord Sr. and his brother, George Nord Jr.
James graduated high school from Brentwood High School in Brentwood, New York in 1977. He had a love for cooking and after graduation he worked in several different restaurants as a Chef and was a Sous Chef at Wallingford Country Club. In 1998 he started a career as a Chef with the State of Connecticut Juvenile Detention Center and through his hard work and work ethic he was eventually promoted to Food Service Coordinator. He retired in 2018 after 20 years with the State of Connecticut.
James had a love for travel and looked forward to visiting the Caribbean, especially Punta Cana in the winter and Cape Cod in the summer. He loved the outdoors and the ocean and loved fishing, swimming, boating, and feeling the ocean breeze on his face. He was also a huge sports fan and loved cheering on his favorite New York sports teams, the New York Giants football team, and the New York Mets baseball team. James’s other favorite past time was spending quality time at home with Dawn and their kitty babies Mizzy and Trixie. He had a very kind heart and a quick wit, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
James’s love for the ocean follows him even after his passing and his wish was to be cremated and have his ashes placed in the ocean to be part of an artificial reef system named Eternal Reefs. He wanted everyone to remember him the way he was and another of his final wishes was to not have a formal service after his passing. The family thanks everyone for their thoughts, prayers, hugs, and love during this time.
