Obituary of James Casey

In loving memory of James (Jimmy) Casey

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jimmy Casey at the age of 34, unexpectedly in his home on Thursday, February 8th, 2024. Jimmy was a beloved resident of the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, CT who touched the lives of many with his vibrant spirit, intellect, and passion for life.

Jimmy will be lovingly remembered by his parents Ann Marie (Annie) Scarnuley Casey and Michael (Mike) Casey; his brother Brian (Catfish) Casey; and his beautiful daughter Violet JaneCasey-Goossen; grandfather James (Jim) Casey, of Bridgeport; aunt Marilyn Scarnuley Tarantino of Norcross, GA; aunt and uncle, Ronnie Scarnuley Emilio and Sal Emilio of Huntington; uncle Bill Scarnuley and aunt Nilsa Scarnuley of Trumbull; aunt Cathy Scarnuley Rado and uncle Paul Rado of Fairfield; aunt Terry Scarnuley of Bridgeport; aunt Vicky Scarnuley and uncle Matt Grasso of Trumbull; aunt Colleen Casey and uncle Mark Lyon of Niantic; uncle Patrick Casey of Bridgeport; uncle Tim Casey of Monroe; aunt Sheila Casey Pace and uncle Peter Pace of Northport, NY; Violet’s mom: Alex Goossen; many cousins, Veronica Tarantino, Drew Emilo, and wife, Sarah, (Ellie and Avey), Samantha Emilio, Joey Lozada, Jenny Otero, and husband, Jose, (Nicole and Alexis), Max and Alex Rado, Jenny Holecz, and husband, Brian, Patrick and Amelia Grasso, Rachel and Nathanel Lyon, Danielle Casey, and wife, Erin Delperdang, Kyle, Brenda, and Ryan Casey, Partner Jenna Poole (Owen) Charlie, Jack, Casey, Molly, and Tommy Pace; and many family and countless friends. Jimmy was predeceased by brother Edward (Eddie) Casey 11/2021, which affected him dearly, aunt Mary Helen Scarnuley; uncle James Scarnuley, and paternal grandmother, Mary Casey and maternal grandparents, William and Florence Scarnuley.

Born on July 23, 1989, Jimmy spent his formative years in Bridgeport, surrounded by his loving family. After graduating from St. Joe’s in Trumbull, he attended the University of Vermont where he graduated in 2011 after earning a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies. His time in Vermont ignited his love for learning and exploration. He then earned a master's degree in Natural Resource Management at the University of Idaho, showcasing his diverse and extensive knowledge. Jimmy's journey would lead him to become a respected professor at the University of Bridgeport, where he shared his passion and inspired countless students. Before his tenure at UB, Jimmy conducted Lidar research in California, engaged in forestry work in Oregon (where he encountered a mountain lion), and participated in research on yellow crazy ant infestations on the Johnston Atoll Island in the Pacific. While at UB, Jimmy taught Biology and Natural Sciences, including courses such as Field Biology, Environmental Science, and Long Island Sound in the Classroom. Jimmy brought a wealth of field experience to the classroom which helped him connect with students, sharing incredible stories about encountering everything from jaguars in Ecuador to researching invasive species of ants on Johnston Atoll Island.

Jimmy was respected by his students because not only did he teach science, he also lived it. As a dedicated educator and leader of UB’s Bio Survival trips, camping trips, and boating trips in Long Island Sound, Jimmy's storytelling and humor put students at ease and created memorable learning experiences. Beyond the classroom, he collaborated with environmental groups like the EPA and Save the Sound and contributed to initiatives like the Seaside Gateway Trail Project. Jimmy was a devoted father to his daughter, Violet, whom he dearly loved. He loved taking her camping, hiking, exploring on the beach and seasides, and out for wagon rides through the streets of his hometown. The bond they had was incredible. You could see it every time they talked, laughed or shared a goofy moment together. His love for children and how he would show so much attention to kids; playing, goofing around, overflowed onto Violet. His love extended beyond blood ties, reaching into the hearts of friends and students who held him in high regard. His engaging personality, marked by an infectious smile and laugh, created a lasting bond with all who crossed his path.

A true renaissance soul, Jimmy was exceptionally brilliant and had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Learning on his own, he became fluent in Spanish. His creativity knew no bounds. One way he expressed it was through his love for music. In 2020, he created a band project with his brother Catfish, and friends Garrett and Owen called the “Swamp Hogs,” which quickly became a favorite staple in the local music scene due to their infectious energy and eclectic stage presence. Having only picked up guitar a few years earlier, Jimmy rapidly evolved into an exceptionally unique guitarist.

His adventurous spirit led him to explore various corners of the world, living in places like Vermont, Idaho, Oregon, Ecuador, in the remote pacific and Japan before returning home to Bridgeport to be close to his roots. Jimmy had an unwavering love for nature and the outdoors, finding solace and joy in the beauty of the world around him. His passion for cultivating community made him a staple in Black Rock's vibrant social fabric, where he fostered connections and left a lasting impact on the lives of those he touched. Outdoors, Jimmy found comfort and fulfillment in activities such as kayaking, exploring the wonders of nature, and teaching others about the importance of environmental conservation. His love for communal gatherings was evident in his frequent presence at bonfires, where he effortlessly created an atmosphere of camaraderie and crafted games that brought people together, fostering unity and fun. He shared many adventures with his brother Catfish, such as kayaking across the Sound to Port Jeff and camping and exploring the Adirondacks with his family. Jimmy was an avid fisherman; he had a knack for hooking fish and loved to playfully tease his friends who came up empty handed.

Jimmy's love for travel and adventure was only surpassed by the love he had for his daughter, Violet, family, friends, and community. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and a zest for life that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. As we mourn the loss of Jimmy Casey, let us remember him for the joy he brought to our lives, the knowledge he shared, and the love he spread within our hearts. He will be sadly missed by mom, dad, Catfish, Violet, and all his family and many friends. May he rest in peace, and may his memory continue to shine brightly through the countless lives he has touched.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 3-7 pm in the Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. All other services will be held privately.

A celebration of life memorial gathering for Jimmy and Eddie Casey will take place on Saturday, May 11th at Park City Music Hall from 1 pm - 5 pm. Additionally, Roadrunner and Tautog Tavern on Fairfield Ave will be open on this day for the gathering.

The family requests donations in lieu of flowers to:

Violet’s College Fund
Norwalk Hospital Credit Union
31 1/2 Stevens St
Norwalk, CT 06850

For travel directions or to sign Jimmy's online guest register, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.