James S. Urban

James “Big Jim” Urban, 77, leaves us for his last of life’s journey on Tuesday, April 15, 2020. Big Jim was born on September 27, 1942 in Waterbury, CT to the late James S. Urban, Sr. and Ann M. Stanley Urban. My father was killed on September 10, 1953. Known as Herbie the “Man’s Man of Men” I later became the “son” of Daniel E. Simons and my mother, both who are deceased, along with my brother Stanley Vincent, who died in his infancy.

I graduated from St. Joseph’s Grammar School in the Brooklyn section of Waterbury. I attended 2 years at St. Anthony’s Seminary in Maine and finished high school at Sacred Heart, Waterbury and received several college degrees!

I received an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army on a Spec 5 and spent my life on the line during Vietnam. I spent my life on the line and was proud to serve my country!

I retired from Somers Correctional Institute and Southington High School with a full disability and I had to close our family Saw Mill known as Simon’s Saw Mill and Garage. I ran several other businesses both here and in various other states and overseas.

Reluctantly, I leave behind the star of my sky, the core of my apple, the ray of my sun, and the beam of my moon and blood of my life, and very best friend and wife, Marion (Kohanski) Urban. My son and daughter, step kids to you “not to me” Charles Le San and Jennifer Castleberry, my grandchildren, Jesse Chapman, my twin granddaughters, Heather Buden and Chelsey Santana, also, my best buddy the late Ron Ginger from kindergarten to the present.

My philosophy in life was always “You only have one life to live, so live it, nobody is going to live it for you.” I have also never met a stranger where my truck took me. I lived three lives in one life time and loved every minute of its ups and downs.

I also leave many other dear friends and associates from clubs and businesses. I was proud to be a member of the Polish Falcons, American Legion, Sons of Italy, 3rd Order of Franciscans, Better Business Bureau of Colorado, Missouri, Kansas, New Mexico, and Meriden PBA.

Please do not pine for me but as the song goes, In heaven there is no beer, “Except” when Big Jim gets here! God Bless one and all and enjoy my last party of this life! Give to your favorite charity a gift or a loved one who needs you! 

A Mass of Christian Burial  followed by military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at St. Aloysius Church, 254 Burritt St., Plantsville, CT. Face Coverings are REQUIRED. Plantsville Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.