James A. Zahansky, Sr., 67, of Brooklyn, CT passed away with his family by his side Friday evening, January 15, 2010 at the Day Kimball Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  James was born January 29, 1942, son of the late John and Ann (Berzety) Zahansky.

James graduated from Windham High School and worked in the grocery and coffee business to always provide for his family. His work career included 22 years with Better Val-u Supermarkets, his most recent role as multiple store supervisor. In addition, James worked in coffee sales for Autocrat Coffee Company and retired from New England Coffee Company in 2007. His customers  and clients knew him for his warm smile and caring attitude. While work was important to him, James was dedicated to coaching baseball for his children and other youths in northeastern Connecticut. James passion in life was his family, especially Yvette (Beausoleil) Zahansky, his beloved wife of 47 years, his 3 children and 8 grandchildren. He loved his family dearly and cherished moments spent together at family outings and holidays. James also lived to attend his grandchildren's soccer, baseball and basketball games. He always cheered them on with a proud smile and provided them delicate words of encouragements.

In addition to his wife, he is survived  by his daughter Shelly Rose of Sunrise, FL, son Jeffrey and wife Bonnie of Newtown, CT, son James, Jr. and his wife Melissa of Pomfret Center, CT; James'  8 grandchildren were his love of his life. They were Jack Zahansky; William Zahansky; Dylan Zahansky; Tyler Rose; Olivia Zahansky; Blake Zahansky; Brooke Zahansky and Brody Zahansky.  In addition James is survived by a brother Robert Zahansky of Columbia, CT; 2 sisters Lorraine Wilson of Union, ME; Linda Bisson of Willimantic, CT and was predeceased by his twin brother John Zahansky. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at  11:00 AM in St. James Church, 12 Franklin Street, Danielson, CT. Calling hours Tuesday, January 19, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds Street, Danielson, CT.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in James' memory to Hospice of NECT, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. To share a memory "Light a Candle" www.gagnonandcostellofh.com