James Elijah Bethune

August 24, 1932 - February 11, 2021

James Elijah Bethune, age 88, of Bridgeport, CT. Husband of Annie L. McKinnie, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb 11, 2021. James affectionately known as “Eli” was born on Aug 24, 1932, in Boswell Bull (Bumdidge County), AL. To the parents of the late Mary Jane Grider & James Bethune. Eli worked at Jenkins Values of BPT, CT for more than 30 plus years before his retirement. He also drove school buses for many years which included driving for the First Student Bus Company for well over 10 years. His hobbies included fishing (which he loved); baseball, New York Mets and football, the New England Patriots. Along with spending time with his Children and Grandchildren. He is survived by seven (7) Children, Three (3) Daughters, Gloria A. Bethune of Meriden, CT.; Glenda D. Bethune White of Hamden, CT; and Brenda R. Moore of New Haven, CT Four (4) Sons James E. Bethune Jr. (Marquenetta) of Douglasville, Georgia and Louis L Bethune (Christina) of Charlotte, NC; Dale A. Bethune (Trena) of Meriden, CT and Apostle Moses T. Bethune (Patricia) of Hamden, CT. 22 Grandchildren, 12 Great grandchildren and a host of Nieces and Nephews and Friends. A special Niece Mildred Burke. He is predeceased by five Brothers and two Sisters; George Bell, Alfred Pennington, LA King, James L. King, Henry King; Sisters Laura Sheppard and Clara Mae Grider. A special thank you to those caregiver who took care of our Dad! NEMG; Kenneth Nori, M.D.; Charles Staples, M.D.; and Richard L. Taikowski, M.D. Kathleen R. Bonaventure, APRN Services Entrusted to Mcclam Funeral Home, New Haven, CT. Viewing and Interment will be Private.