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Philip Marshall James, 83, of North Haven, passed over peacefully in his sleep at home on Oct. 5. He was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife of 52 years, Cynthia James. Philip was born in the seaside town of Cohasset, Massachusetts, on Sept. 15, 1934, to the late Robert B. and Hazel (Farrar) James.

Growing up in Cohasset as a young boy, his love for Boston sports teams and hockey took root; living next to the town’s firehouse likewise started Phil’s life of volunteerism and public service. He attended Cohasset schools before attending Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, graduating in the class of 1956 and having a successful Ivy League hockey career. Phil moved to Wethersfield in the late 50’s to join SNET and was a member of the Air National Guard for six years. In Wethersfield, Phil reconnected with his fire service childhood by joining the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department. When SNET moved Phil and his new wife to North Haven in 1964, he quickly signed on with North Haven’s Northeast Volunteer Fire Co. 4. Phil rose to the rank of captain and company commanding officer and protected the life and property of North Haven residents for 32 years. Phil remains the longest-serving captain in North Haven’s volunteer fire service history. He was an active 50 plus member of the North Haven Congregational Church, and participated in many town meetings on topics from Little League and the Land Trust to emergency services. After retiring from SNET, he continued his community service by sitting on a retiree board allocating grants to New Haven area nonprofits. He and his wife enjoyed traveling with friends, and attending college athletic events throughout New England. He also enjoyed as tending his vegetable and flower gardens and raising two children.

He was the father of Brian James of San Francisco, California, and Carla (Mike) Hill of Needham, Massachusetts. He was the brother of Marcia (Richard) Carthaus of Edina, Minnesota, and Naples, Florida; the brother-in-law of Charles (Karleen) Gedney; and the uncle of Kimberly Gedney, Kellie (Stephen) Panteleakous, and Paul (Holly) Gedney.

Visiting hours will be 3 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 13 at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Ave., North Haven. The North Haven Fire Department will be providing an honor guard. Phil will be laid to rest Oct. 14. He will be carried on his “Final Call” by North Haven Fire Department’s Engine #5, the same engine company he commanded for 32 years. Services will be at 10 a.m., Oct. 14 at The North Haven Congregational Church, 28 Church St., North Haven. Burial will follow at Center Cemetery, Elm Street, North Haven. The family will host a reception in North Haven after interment. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The North Haven Congregational Church, 28 Church St., North Haven, CT 06473, and The Northeast Volunteer Fire Association, 366 Washington Ave., North Haven, CT 06473. For an online obituary, visit www.northhavenfuneral.com.