Obituary of James E. Warner

James E. Warner “Big Jim” 86 of Brooklyn died Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at his home in Brooklyn. He was the beloved husband of Karen Dunlap. Jim was born August 8, 1939, in Norwood, NY, son of the late Jay Ernest and Roberta (Brothers) Warner.

Formerly of upstate New York, he has lived in Brooklyn, CT, for the last 47 years. Jim enjoyed racing; he began at Sugar Hill Speedway, racing Odessey’s. He then moved on to Hi-Groove Speedway with his late son, grandson and great-grandson as the years progressed.  He was a past president of East Coast Mini-Sprint Assoc. Jim spent years as an employee of the State of CT, working with Developmentally Disabled individuals. Jim enjoyed riding motorcycles with his friends and family. He loved to garden and maintain his lawn, especially his rose bushes.

He leaves his wife Karen Dunlap of Brooklyn, children Jay A. Warner and his significant other Judy Towsen, of Huntington Beach, CA, daughter Angela Beaulieu of Pilot Point, TX, grandchildren Jenifer Fox and her husband Michael of Pilot Point, TX, William Warner of College Station, TX, James M. Warner and his wife Sarah of Moosup, Sofia Warner of CA, Josie Warner of CA, great grandchildren Jeffrey, Makayla, Alex, Kadence, Jameson and a great-great grandson Remington, siblings Donna Irish of Killingly, Noreen Randall of Colton, NY, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son James E. Warner, Jr., his daughter Robin Wheeler, a grandson Roger Aldrich and his sisters Gwyn Hart and Caroline Perry.   

Calling Hours will be Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds Street, Danielson, CT. Share a memory at Gagnonandcostellofh.com