James (Jim) Byrnes of Oxford, CT died peacefully after a brief illness, surrounded by his family's love.
Jim was born in NY, NY on December 8, 1961 and raised in Dix Hills, NY. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), he graduated from Marist College and earned his Master's in Finance from Pace University. He worked in NY where he met his beloved wife. After their first two children were born, they moved to Oxford, CT, where he worked briefly at Pitney Bowes before deciding to become a stay-at-home dad, long before such a thing was well-known. He was an awesome dad, coaching soccer and baseball, providing tutoring, and instilling a passion for adventure and the outdoors by taking his kids skiing, hiking, biking, etc., and giving them the confidence to try new things. He was also a paraprofessional for several years at Quaker Farms School and Oxford Center School, where he was noted for his warmth and patience with the students. His family and friends will lovingly remember and miss his sense of humor, zest for life, and gentle nature.
Jim is survived by his mother, Kathleen, of Long Island, NY; wife, Lysa, and their children, Katheryn, Dan, and Emily, all of Oxford; sister, Mary, and brothers Mike (Carolyn), Ray (Santa) and Dan (Linda), and several nieces, nephews and cousins. His father, Michael, preceded him in death.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please send donations to People's United Bank 100 Main St. North Southbury, CT 06488 c/o James J. Byrnes Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: St. Thomas the Apostle

Services: A wake will be held at the Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main Street North, in Southbury on Thursday, June 30, from 5: 00 p.m. to 8: 00 p.m., and a mass on Friday at St. Thomas the Apostle at 10: 00 a.m.