It is with deep sadness that our family announces the passing of James Corrigan on June 5, 2025. Jim was the greatest husband, father, grandfather and brother. He will be sorely missed by all.
Jim was born on January 30, 1942, to Jeannette and Norman Corrigan. He attended schools in Burlington, Vt., after which he landed his first job, working for Oakledge Manor Resort on the shores of Lake Champlain. Jim was a member of the Vermont Army National Guard for many years. Growing up in “Lakeside,” Jim made many lifelong friends. He loved watching and playing baseball, getting together with friends to watch football, and hanging out at the “hall” in Lakeside.
He met his wife, Dorothy, through mutual friends. Jim and Dorothy agreed that it was love at first sight, and they married a year later on May 2, 1964, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Burlington. Jim and Dorothy spent 61 happy years together. They loved traveling and vacationing each year in Florida, Las Vegas, Maine and New Hampshire. Jim’s happy place was in Hampton Beach.
From an early age, Jim was an avid Red Sox fan. Many happy days were spent at Fenway Park watching the Red Sox play. He had a very impressive collection of Red Sox memorabilia and Red Sox hats that he cherished through the years.
Jim worked for the Essex Junction School District as food service director for 18 years. Also as director, he worked with culinary arts students. He was very respected for his positive outlook and hard work. Jim also worked at the Howard Center for Human Services for more than 10 years, providing guidance and support to the people he worked with.
Above all, Jim loved spending time with his grandchildren, Christian, Nicholas and Mia. He loved to joke and tease them and also gave them money. He adored them, and they loved him back.
Jim leaves behind his beloved wife, Dorothy; and their daughters, Tammy Douglas and her husband, Todd, and Julie Brigante and her husband, Scott. He leaves his grandchildren, Christian and Nicholas Douglas and Mia Brigante. Jim leaves his much-loved sisters Linda Bombard, Suzanne Wagner, and Joann Jarvis and her husband, Chris. He leaves his brother, Daniel Corrigan, and his wife, Beth. Also, Jim leaves his sister-in-law Corona Sheppard; his brother-in-law Anthony Martello and his wife, Katherine; his godchild, Cassie Bjelic; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Last but not least, Jim leaves behind his beautiful cat, Cinder Ella. He loved that cat so much, and she loved him.
Jim was predeceased by his parents; his mother- and father-in-law, Thomas and Constance Martello; his nephew Michael Wagner; his sisters Bonnie Bleau and Jacqueline Slingerland; and his brothers-in-law Bob Slingerland, Clayton Wagner, Daniel Martello, Oscar Shepard, Michael Martello and his wife, Marion, and Vincent Martello and his wife, Helen.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at University of Vermont Medical Center, the community hospice program and McClure Miller Respite House. The doctors and nurses took such good care of Jim, and their support and kindness to our family was much appreciated.
Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, June 15, 2025, 4 to 6 p.m., at the Ready Funeral Home, 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington, VT. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 16, 2025, 10 a.m., at Christ the King St. Anthony Catholic Church, 305 Flynn Ave., Burlington. Immediately following, Jim will be laid to rest in Lakeview Cemetery, 455 North Ave., Burlington.
Contributions in Jim’s name may be made to the Humane Society of Chittenden County, 142 Kindness Court, Burlington, VT.
Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To send online condolences, please visit readyfuneral.com.
This article appears in The Animal Issue 2025.