James Patrick Redding, Jr., 67, of Guilford, passed away on March 17, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Dawn Pomawski Redding.

James, fondly known as Jim, was born in New Haven on Oct. 26, 1955, to Jim and Grace Redding. Alongside his two siblings, John and Louise, Jim created a life that was rooted in the foundation of family.

After Jim graduated from Notre Dame High School of West Haven in 1974, he went on to study business administration at the University of New Haven. He worked at Avco Lycoming before spending the final 30 years of his career at Pratt and Whitney as a business unit manager until he retired in 2019.

Jim held many titles in his life, but his favorite roles were being a husband and a father. Jim met his wife, Dawn, in 1980, and over the next 43 years, they built a beautiful life together. They enjoyed traveling to Newport, Rhode Island., and spending time rooting on their beloved UConn women’s Huskies basketball team. He loved nothing more than spending time with his adult children. He loved to watch football with his son, James III, especially Notre Dame and the Giants. Jim also enjoyed cheering on the Red Sox and trying new foods with his daughter Christine and son-in-law, Josh.

Kind, generous, and with a gregarious smile, Jim loved his family and friends fiercely. He was an avid gardener, growing everything from tomatoes, hot peppers, to figs. He took great pride in his garden and loved to share his tips and produce with everyone. Jim’s biggest passion was cooking. Whether it was homemade pizza, ribs from the smoker, or the seven fishes on Christmas Eve, he showed his love through the food he cooked for his family and friends.

Besides his beloved wife, Dawn, he is survived by his children, Christine L. (Josh) Miller of Stratford, and his son James P. Redding III of Guilford; his mother, Grace Caruso Redding, of Shelton; his siblings, John P. (Darra) Redding of Guilford, and Louise A. (Michael) Cataudella of Shelton; his nieces and nephews, Jake, Elyse, Tori, Ashleigh, and Livi Redding, Scott and Rachel Cataudella, Jack Kerner, and Hayley Kohler. He is also survived by several grand-nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his father, James Patrick Redding, Sr., and his nephew, Mark Cataduella.

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of his family. The W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford, is in charge of arrangements. For an online guest book, see www.wsclancy.com.