James Strong Sr.

Obituary Minister James Douglas Strong Sr. September 17, 1946 – January 10, 2025 Minister James Douglas Strong Sr., affectionately known as Nicky, Jim, Jimmy, Uncle Jimby, Uncle Jim, Dad, Daddy, Grandpa, Pop Pop, and Hon peacefully departed this life, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and faith. Born on September 17, 1946, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to the late Ethel Strong (Harper) and Aaron Strong, James was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. James grew up alongside his siblings Theodore (Annie Reeves), Edward Earl (Eula), Freddie, Aaron Jr., James Kenneth (Virginia), Eileen Rouse (Clarence), and Mary Ethel Moye (Roger). He attended elementary school in Lenoir County, North Carolina, before relocating to Connecticut, where he furthered his education at Lincoln Bassett School, Wilbur Cross High School, and South-Central Community College. A life of service defined James, beginning with his enlistment in the U.S. Army in 1967. As a Specialist Fourth Class (SP4), he served his country honorably as an Ammunition Storage Specialist (MOS: 55B20). His dedication was recognized with several commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. James worked for Rockbestos Surprenant Company for over Fifty years where he specialized in welding and met his wife Carol Parker Strong. When the company moved, James made the journey to East Granby from New Haven. He made long commutes until his retirement in 2012. James lived a life deeply rooted in love and devotion to his family. He was the proud father of 15 children and fostered countless others. Alongside his loving wife, Carol Parker Strong, James offered a safe and nurturing home. Their extraordinary commitment to children was honored in 2004 with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institutes Angels in Adoption award. A man of unwavering faith, James accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age. He was most recently a devoted member of Ark of Refuge Reaching Out Ministries in New Haven, under the tutelage of Pastor James T. Harris. He was a faithful member and served as the Men’s President until his health declined. James found joy in simple pleasures, including bowling, fishing, whittling sling shots, and watching tennis and basketball. James’ quiet and cool demeanor was complimented by his wisdom, humor, and steadfast support for others. He never missed an opportunity to show up for those in need, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. His life’s work was defined by his love for family, his investment in his children and grandchildren, and his commitment to friends and the community. James is survived by his devoted wife, Carol Parker Strong, his children James Jr., Doreen, Johnathan, Icess, Aesha Cartier, Aaron, Jennifer, Sharee Parker Jones (Travis), Johnae, Achaunti, Isaiah, Donashja, Gianni, Gianna, and a special bonus daughter, Ashley James; his grandchildren Adrian Strong, Tomah, Henrietta, Reggie, Trevor Hicks, Arthur Nelson, Tyler, Roosevelt, Octavia, Joel, Aaron, Aariana, Drayce, Davyon, Amare, Za'riyah, Kaseem, Mi ‘amor, and Za'rayah; great grandchildren his godchildren, his sister Mary Ethel, nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family and friends who will cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and Aaron Strong, and his siblings Theodore, Edward Earl, Freddie, Aaron Jr., James Kenneth, and Eileen Rouse. A celebration of James’s life will be held on January 22, 2025, at Life Changing Outreach Ministries located at 30 Montowese Ave North Haven, CT 06473. The family kindly requests that flowers be sent to McClam Funeral Home, located at 95 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511. Minister James Douglas Strong Sr. will be forever remembered for his selfless service, boundless love, and enduring faith. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith (2Timothy 4:7).

James Strong Sr.

September 17, 1946 - January 10, 2025