Obituary of James J. Midgley

Rev. James J. Midgley, age 62, beloved husband of MaryEllen Adams Midgley of North Haven, died peacefully in his sleep on May 25, 2022.  Born in Englewood, NJ  on June 7, 1959, he was the son of Helene Marie Cosgrove Midgley of Florida and the late James Ambrose Midgely. 

Pastor Jim, a native of Shelton, CT was a 1977 Graduate of Shelton High School, completed his undergraduate studies in Philosophy at St. Hyacinth College-Seminary, Granby, MA and did his graduate theology studies at the Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. Pastor Jim also earned a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Cambridge College, Cambridge, MA.  Rev. Midgley was ordained in the Roman Tradition in May 1990 and served in several churches as well as High School Ministry for the Diocese of Bridgeport.  He is a proud U.S. Veteran of the Navy Reserves and served as a Chaplain from 1987 to 1990.

The Rev. James J. Midgley was appointed as Pastor of Faith United Methodist Church of North Haven on July 1, 2020. He also served as Pastor of Seymour United Methodist Church, Derby United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church of Ansonia.

Pastor Jim had a passion for active pastoral ministry and was firmly committed to bringing the richness and beauty of the church out to all, especially those without a church home and those who were seeking that which only God's love could ultimately satisfy. He centered his ministerial focus on helping to create a spiritual community so people can witness the love and support we have for each other as a Christ-Centered community of faith.

In addition to his wife of 18 years, he is survived by his cherished children, James R. Midgley of North Haven,  David Adams of Stamford, Heather (fiance, Dan Bedard) Adams of Southington and Atty. Britney Adams of Bristol; sister, Ellen (Mike) Azize of Shelton and brother, Stephen G. (Marjorie) Midgley of Stafford Springs; grandchildren, Jake, Cody and Oliver Bedard of Southington;  nephew, Devin Midgley; nieces, Krisa FitzGerald, Alexa FitzGerald; as well as many dear friends, fellow clergy and congregants.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at 6:30 PM in the Hamden Plains United Methodist Church, 15 Church Street, Hamden. Private interment with Military Honors will be in St. John Cemetery, Monroe.  Family and friends may call at the Hamden Plains United Methodist Church on Tuesday from 4:00 to 6:30 PM, prior to the service.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Midgley Family Education Fund, (kindly make checks payable to MaryEllen Midgley) in care of the funeral home. The Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia, is in care of arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.