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James “Jim” Ernest Puska, 74, of Killingworth passed away unexpectedly from COVID-19 Sept. 25, 2021, at Middlesex Hospital. He was surrounded by his beloved wife of 48 years, Randy, and their families.

Jim was born in New Haven on Feb. 2, 1947, to the late Ernest and Rita (D’Zurilla) Puska. He grew up in Milford and attended Milford High School. He worked for the State of Connecticut for 33 years, retiring in 2003, and also had a successful landscaping business along the shoreline. After retiring from the State of Connecticut, Jim went to work for the Town of East Haddam and then for the Town of Haddam as a zoning and wetlands enforcement officer, where he worked until his passing. He loved his job and all of the people he worked with.

Jim had a passion for volunteering. He was well known in the community for his volunteer work with the Connecticut Hospice in Branford as a bereavement counselor for 16 years. He also volunteered for more than 10 years at the Cove Center for Grieving Children in Guilford. In 2014, he was honored with a Beacon Award for his volunteer work. Jim also served as a deacon and as head deacon at the Killingworth Congregational Church for several years.

In his spare time, Jim enjoyed drives in his Chevy Camaro, walking his Petit Basset Griffon Vende’en dog named Hamilton, and catching up with a crew of friends at Dunkin’ Donuts in Killingworth. It was his favorite place to meet many friends for coffee and conversation.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Randy (Isakson) Puska. Married for 48 years, the longtime Killingworth residents shared wonderful times together. They raised three horses and several dogs, shared a love for Hawaii, and created a welcoming home always open to family and friends alike.

Jim is also survived by his sister Judith (Puska) Dunsing, mother-in-law Margaret Isakson, sister-in-law Rhonda Isakson, and brothers-in-law Blaine Isakson (and his wife Debra), Wayde Isakson (and his wife Linda), and Karl Isakson. He also leaves behind his precious niece Adrienne Dunsing (and her husband Andy Rothwell) and his nephews Elliott Dunsing (and his wife Beth), Bryce Skeels, and Gary Isakson.

Jim was loved by all who knew him and will be dearly missed by his friends and family. Our wonderful memories of him will last a lifetime.

A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, with a reception following the service, at the Killingworth Congregational Church on Route 81 in Killingworth. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be donated to the Killingworth Congregational Church.