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James “Jim” Platt, 94, of Old Saybrook, passed away on May 16. Jim was born in Schenectady, New York, on Aug. 17, 1927. He was the eldest son of the late Francis and Beatrice (Veeder) Platt. He was predeceased by his wife Lois, with whom he shared a wonderful life for 47 years.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17, following graduation from high school, and proudly served aboard the USS Callan in the Pacific. Following his discharge from the Navy, he attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. Upon graduation in 1951, he served aboard the SS America Jurist in the North Atlantic. He had happy memories of his time at Kings Point and was an active Kings Point alumnus.

Jim met Lois on a blind date while in Washington, D.C. He fell in love at first sight, proposed on the second date, and married shortly thereafter in July 1953. A few years later, he accepted a position at General Dynamics Electric Boat (EB) in Groton. In 1962, Jim and Lois and their two daughters moved to Old Saybrook.

Jim was active in many community organizations and over the years served as chairman of the Old Saybrook Park & Recreation Commission and president of the Historical Society. Jim was a more than 60-year member of the Old Saybrook Congregational Church and served in many positions, including deacon.

He especially enjoyed his visits with his grandchildren, from playing mini-golf at Saybrook Point to spending time together on a summer evening on the porch.

He is survived by his daughters, Candace Branca of Franklin, Massachusetts, and Deborah Simonis of Old Saybrook, and three grandchildren, Andrew North of Tampa, Florida, Eric Simonis and his wife Miranda of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Carolyn Simonis of Winter Springs, Florida. In addition to his wife Lois, he was predeceased by his brother Andrew.

His family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 1, at the Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook. All are welcome to the interment at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 2, at the Old Saybrook Congregational Church Memorial Garden. Memorial donations may be made to First Church of Christ in Saybrook (Congregational) Legacy Fund or The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries.