James T. Hight, 88, long-time Madison resident, graphic designer, and art director, best known for his award-winning work, including iconic and everlasting logo and package designs for Dairy Queen, Phillips 66, Esso, Barbasol, Xerox, International Paper, and Wonder Bread, died peacefully on Aug. 11 at his home, surrounded by family. He was the beloved husband of 64 years to Ann Marie Hight. James was a decorated Veteran of World War II and the Korean War, serving as one of the youngest chief petty officers in the U.S. Navy. He was promoted to chief radioman with top-level security clearance and served at posts on land in Chatham, Massachusetts, Imperial Beach, California, Oahu, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

James grew up on a farm in Randolph, Nebraska, along with six brothers and three sisters. His artistic ability was recognized early, and, after his military service, he went to the Pratt Institute of Art and Design on the GI Bill. This led to work at some of the top agencies in the New York area, including Lester Beall, Lippincott & Margulies, International Paper, and American Can Company.

His interests were in the air as a private pilot, on the water as a sailor, in the darkroom as a photographer, and on canvas as an artist. He was active with the art associations of Guilford, Old Lyme, Clinton, and Madison, where he served as president. He passed along his reverence for life's beauty to his kids, his grandkids, and those he naturally attracted with his warm smile and quiet charm. He will be sorely missed.

Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his son, Robert Hight; two daughters, Mary Dunn and Andrée Duggan; and his adoring grandchildren, Nicole and Joe Dunn and James Duggan. He is also survived by three brothers, Warren Hight, Algie Hight, and David Hight.  He was predeceased by his son, Brian Hight; his parents, Willard Brackston Hight and Lula Ethel Salmon; three sisters, Berdeen Williams, Doris Schrock and Helen Cisney; and three brothers, Willard ‘Bud’ Hight, Jack Hight and Eugene Hight.

A mass of Christian burial, open to the public, will be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 25, at 11 a.m., at St. Margaret Roman Catholic Church, 24 Academy St., Madison.  In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made in his name to the Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405, or to the Madison Art Society, PO Box 1383, Madison, CT 06443 for their youth awards and scholarship programs.  The Guilford Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences to the family can be recorded online by visiting: www.guilfordfuneralhome.com