1931 – 2013
N. Grosvenordale – James Naum, 82, of Red Bridge Rd., died Monday, November 11, 2013 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving husband of Anna (Noiseux) Naum. Born in Jankovec, Yugoslavia, on September 6, 1931, he was the son of the late Anastasios and Blaga (Kuzmanovic) Naum. He arrived in the United States through Ellis Island on Thanksgiving Day 1931.
Educated in Thompson Public Schools and graduating in 1950, he went on to earn a degree in business from NicholsCollege in 1952, a bachelor’s degree In Science from WillimanticStateTeachers College and a Master Degree from the University of Connecticut in reading.
Jim served two years In the US Army during the Korean Conflict.
Jim was a member of the following organizations for over 50 years: American Legion Post 67, Republican Town Committee, Quinebaug Cornerstone Lodge 122 where he served as Grand Master in 1960 and his beloved Thompson Lions Club where he awarded the Melvin Jones award in 2009. Jim has also been in charge of the Lions Golf League for many years.
Jim served several terms on the Thompson Board of Education, Planning and Zoning Commission, Justice of the Peace and he has served on the school building committee for the new elementary school. Jim was also on the Board of Directors for TEEG for many years.
He was a Real Estate Broker in both Connecticut and Massachusetts starting his career some 40 years ago with Negip-Naum insurance Agency ending his career as a member of the staff of Johnston and Associates.
Jim taught in Thompson Public Schools for 33 years. During this time he wore many hats; Athletic Director, Administrative Assistant in the Middle School, golf coach, Middle School Cross Country Coach and was one of the founders of the QVCJC which was an athletic conference for middle school students.
He was a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. He was a past member of the Church Council, served as an usher, and chaired church picnics.
But he will be best remembered as a basketball player and coach at TMHS. He coached the Tigers from 1977 to 1989. In 1987, his team won the State Championship. A feat that had not been repeated since he, himself, was part of the team in 1949 and 1950 under the legendary Jim Canty. In 1987, he was picked as Coach of the Year for small schools in Connecticut.
In later years Jim’s greatest joy were his grandchildren. Being, “Papou” was the most important position he ever held. He always had a story to share about his grandkids.
Jim’s entire professional life was spent helping scholars and athletes of all ages; therefore, in lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the James Naum Scholar Athlete Scholarship Fund c/o Citizens National Bank, PO Box 6002, Putnam, Ct 06260.
He is survived by his wife, Anna, of 47 years, his son Thomas and his wife, his daughter-in-law Genevive, a special niece Kelly, and a brother Victor. He leaves his four grandchildren, Heather, Alexander, Loukas, Emily and two great nephews Brad and Christopher. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Michael and a brother, John.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Jim’s family from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, November 14, 2013 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale CT. A Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 am, on Friday, November 15, 2013 in St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 37 Lake Parkway, Webster, MA. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, N. Grosvenordale. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com
Diane & Alan Patterson
Men like Jim Naum are the back bone of our community. He will be greatly missed by The Lions. Peace be with Anna and the family.
Kim Michel Beauregard
My deepest sympathies to Mrs Naum , Tom and the rest of the Naum family. Mr. Naum was always such a wonderful, friendly man. He always welcomed me in his home. I hope that you can all find peace knowing that Mike and his dad are once again together and will watch over all of you. All my love
Kim
Jane Ellison
My very deepest sympathy to the Naum family. A fine and special person has passed on, but his memory and wonderful legacy will live on as an inspiration. I was a paraprofessional in his classroom many years ago and so admired his knowledge and interaction with the students. He has done so much for so many. He will be dearly missed.
David & Dianne Barrett
Please accept our deepest sympathy, Jim was a ray of sunshine when he walked into the office, always upbeat and positive and a joy to talk with and he was never lacking a great story. He will truly be missed.
Suzanne Horne
It was a privilege to know and work with Jim . He was a very warm and friendly person. I am hoping, that peace and comfort will touch the hearts of Anna, and her family.
Gene & Jean Houle
Anna , Jim will always be in our hearts. You all will always be our prayers and love to you all
Gene & Jean
dorothy whitney
to Anna ,Tom , and all of the family, my sincere condolences. he will be greatly missed by his brother Vic and I. Dorothy Whitney
Dave Babbitt
Anna, Tom & Family, We are saddened and grieve at our dear friend Jim’s passing…Loved him as a brother…and thinking of all the good times….Dave & Peg
Paul Mahon
I got to reconnect with Jim recently when he and Anna (’62) hosted some of the meetings leading up to our 50th anniversary of graduation from St. Joseph High. Jim was full of stories about his relationship with St. Joe’s sports teams.
Jim was a great guy who will be missed by many. Deepest sympathy to Anna and the rest of his family,
Paul
Julia Mahon
I was librarian for the Thompson Public Schools for many years and knew Jim as a faculty member. He was a wonderful man. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. My sympathies to his family.
Florence Fisher (Versocki/Rasmussen)
Anna,
Don and I were saddened when we found out about Jim. He was a wonderful man, great co-worker and will be missed. I drove the bus the year his team won the championship. One of our busses was vandalized and Jim made sure we all got home safely. Although Don and I now live in Virginia we can feel your loss. God bless.
Don and Florence Fisher
Valentine Iamartino
Anna, Tom, Vic and family:
Could not think of a finer, most gracious man!
We were so lucky to have Jim in so many roles within our
community. Thank you, “Mr. Naum” for all you did!
You were loved & will be sadly missed.
Valentine Iamartino – Thompson, CT
Carol Ann Mowry
I had the pleasure of being one of many students Mr. Naum taught at the Thompson School system. I have not seen him since graduating many years ago, but remember him as being a wonderful teacher who was always willing to help when needed. I am so sorry for your loss.
Tuckie Taft
Dear Anna, my heart and love goes out to you and yours. Your husband was one of the best persons I’ve ever know. I can not imagine the loss you are feeling. Please accept my deepest sympathy for you and the family. If I could travel now I would certainly come to pay tribute to such a great, well loved man. His honor as a husband, father, friend and leader – well I can not feel anyone could be more loved and respected than he.
Love,
Tuckie
Carrie Murphy Whisenant
I recall Mr. Naum fondly. You would see him at all sporting events or any event with the school. He was the school staple. My thoughts and prayers are with his loving family.
Tamela Beaudoin
I never got to play golf with my uncle Jim but, I think that some day we can still do that together. Anna and Tom, my warmest sympathy to you both and just know that my thoughts and prayers are truly with you.
Joe Lindley
Our condolences to Jim’s family… He was truly one of the great ones.
Kathleen (Michel)Pellerin
Mrs Naum, Tom and family
My condolences to you all, I always loved seeing him in school or around town with a big smile on his face. I know he will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joyce (Barbour) Mezzoni
My heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Naum’ family. I will always be grateful for Mr. Naum’s instilling my love of reading back in middle school. Even as an adult, when our paths would cross, he was always Mr. Naum, earning the respect of every student and athlete whose life he touched. May he find peace in reuniting with his beloved family members who have gone before him. RIP Mr. Naum
Kathi Lewis Brennan
Tom, so sorry for your loss.
Dave Biron
Mrs. Naum and Tom,
I just wanted to offer my thoughts and prayers to both of you during this difficult time. Mr. Naum was someone who touched the lives of so many in our town and I had the pleasure of playing for him and learning from him. He will be sorely missed.
Very Respectfully,
Dave Biron
Bill Juzwic
Anna & Tom
Heartfelt sympathies to you and your family on the passing of Jim. He was a great example of what a true “Lion” is and will forever be missed by all that met him. He truely made me feel welcome when I moved into town.
Bill Juzwic
Stanislava Ilievski
We were deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing and will always cherish the beautiful memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. May you take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you. With Love, The Ilievski Family
Armand LaFleur
We are all saddened by Jim’s passing and will miss him extreemly.
I always admired him very much.My thought and prayers are with you.
Armand
John & Deborah Landry
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts & prayers go out to your family,
He was a wonderful person .
Donald Morin
I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a great teacher, coach and community member. He will be missed by all. I am also sorry that I won’t be able to be there tonight as I have to work. Again I offer my condolences.
Michael Kingman
To the Family of mr Naum, I want to say You are in my Thought and Prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Mr Naum , was a great teacher, and a great person. He will be sadly missed. He will always be remembered for all The Good he did here in Thompson , for the school and the community. May GOD comfort and be with you always.
Andrea M. Holt
Anna — Dad and I are very sorry for your loss. Jim was a “special” person and his presence will be missed. We sure hope that your son and grandchildren will bring you much comfort in the months ahead. Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you. Andrea Holt and Edward Micek
Denise Santerre
To the Naum family,
Our Deepest Sympathy to you in the loss of Jimmy . He was such a wonderful, caring person. He was a good friend to my family . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Roger and Densie Santerre
John Manis
My condolences to your family and myy prayers.
Joe Iamartino
Jim, I am so glad we spent time together talking about the great fun you had in Thompson, as a kid, as an athlete, as a coach, father, husband, businessman and teacher. I know you had your share of challenges too but you didn’t talk of those things to me, only the good things, and that is how I will remember you. To Jim’s family, remember the good times. This good man shall have a well deserved rest……
David Farnham
To the Naum family my thoughts and prayers are with you all.Coach was a great man and I’m a better person by having met him. He was a great teacher coach husband and father. He touched so many lives and we’re all better for. Rest in peace COACH
Scott Mather
Anna, I am heartsick to hear of Jims passing. One of the good guys that will truely be missed.
My deepest sympathy,
Scott Mather