James Edward Oram

James Edward Oram, age 90, beloved husband of nearly 69 years of Dorothy M. Oram, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 13, 2016 at the Alzheimer's Resource Center in Plantsville following a courageous 15 years battle with the disease. Born in Fredonia, KS, the son of the late Ralph and Edna Oram, he served in the United State Army during World War II in Europe earning the Purple Heart Medal. Following the War, he attended the University of Kansas, graduating in 1949 with a BS in Engineering. Upon graduation, James began his 38 year career at General Electric working as a test engineer and retiring as a Manager in the ISO Division (Quality and Management Systems). He lived for 20 years in Schenectady, NY while assigned to the G.E. branch there. While in New York he was an active member of the Union Street Christian Church. A Fairfield resident for many years, Mr. Oram was an active member of Greenfield Hill Congregational Church where he served as a Deacon, Building Committee Chairman, the Pastoral Search Committee and the Mission Outreach Program. He was a former member of the Fairfield Civitan. James enjoyed golfing and especially sailing. He was a member of the Black Rock Yacht Club and Fayerweather Yacht Club. Mr. Oram always looked forward to his annual family vacations to Lake George. He will be fondly remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather who loved time spent relaxing with his family and admiring the many lighthouses along the Connecticut coastline. Survivors in addition to his loving wife Dorothy include three devoted daughters, Susan Lynne Oram, and her husband Art Krzyzweski of Chandler, AZ, Cid Lewis and Betsy Caswell both of Berlin, CT; nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren; a sister, Betty Jean Hazlett of San Antonio, TX; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Skylar Caswell and a brother, William John (Billy) Oram. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church. Interment will be private in the Greenfield Hill Church Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Greenfield Hill Congregational Church Music Fund, 1045 Old Academy Rd., Fairfield or the Salvation Army, 30 Elm St., Bridgeport, CT 06604. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com