SOUTHBURY-James Henry Emison, husband of Eileen (Sullivan) Emison, died Sunday, August 30, 2009 at Pomperaug Woods. He was born February 5, 1926 in Vincennes, Indiana, the son of John Wesley Emison and Mary Irene (Hogue) Emison. Older brothers John C., Richard A., and Robert S. preceded him in death.
Jim graduated from the Harvey School, Taft School, DePauw University and the Harvard Graduate School of Business. While at DePauw he was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity; he was also enrolled in the Navy V12 program which led to his commission and service aboard the USS Stoddard (DD 566) in World War II serving with the US Pacific Fleet.
He began his career with Uniroyal Inc. (U. S. Rubber Co.) in Naugatuck, CT, progressing over the years to become the Corporate Comptroller of Uniroyal before retiring after 35 years. Mr. Emison was very involved with his community; he was chairman of the Waterbury Area American Red Cross, President of the Pomperaug Woods Board of Directors, Chairman of the Waterbury Foundation Grants Committee, Chairman of the Middlebury Planning and Zoning Commission, Treasurer and Trustee of the Middlebury Congregational Church and President and Treasurer of the Highfield Country Club.
He leaves his wife of 61 years, Eileen, sons James W. Emison and wife Kathy (Holmes) of Birmingham, AL, David L. Emison and his wife Betty (Newman) of Lakewood Ranch, FL, Mark R. Emison of Danbury and daughter Susan P. Emison of Waterbury as well as four grandchildren and three great grandchildren, survive him. Further he leaves nephew John C. Emison of Chatham, MA, and nieces Mary Dee (Emison) Davis of Wilmington, NC and Anne (Emison) Harmon of Ardsley-on-Hudson, NY
A memorial services in celebraion of his life will be held at the Middlebury Congregational Church on Saturday Oct. 3rd at 1 pm. There are no calling hours. Burial will be private in Lake Elise Cemetery, Middlebury. The Alderson Funeral Home of Naugatuck, 201 Meadow St. is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers: Memorial contributions may be made to the Emison Fund of the Connecticut Community Foundation, 43 Field Street, Waterbury, CT 06702.