James Charles Minerly (Jimmy) of Trumbull, CT passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 19, 2026 due to complications from a heart attack. Jimmy was a loving husband and a devoted father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend known for his kindness and generosity as well as his remarkable intelligence and sense of humor. Next to his steadfast dedication to his family, faith was a constant throughout Jimmy’s life. Jimmy was a long-time parishioner of St. Theresa Church as well as an active member of the Knights of Columbus (“KOC”). Jimmy served as Treasurer of the St. Theresa KOC. He spent many weekends outside his local Stop and Shop selling Tootsie Rolls to raise money for children with disabilities and loved to participate in the Knights' pancake breakfasts.

Jimmy was born on January 20, 1953 to Charles and Jane Minerly. He was the fifth of six children and was raised in Queens, New York. After being set up on a blind date by mutual friends, Jimmy married the apple of his eye Madeline (Bergin) Minerly on September 12, 1976. Jimmy and Madeline enjoyed a loving marriage for nearly 50 years and raised two daughters, Jane and Claire, in Trumbull, Connecticut.

Jimmy was a proud graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School (1971) and Fordham University (1975). After graduation, Jimmy built a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant serving at Deloitte, ITT, Air Castle Ltd., and other corporations.

After retirement from full-time work, Jimmy continued to consult for various companies and volunteer with the KOC. Jimmy also enjoyed planning and taking trips with his family, including his annual trip to Lake George and further-flung locations such as Ireland, London, Amsterdam, and most recently the Piedmont region of Italy. Jimmy was a member of the Gaelic-American Club of Fairfield, Connecticut and could be found there on many weekends with his family and friends enjoying the traditional music, trivia night, and other events. He also spent time rooting for the New York Mets, the Jets, and his alma mater the Fordham Rams, and was known as the ultimate Poolmaster for his large NCAA March Madness pool every year.

But of all Jimmy’s numerous personal and professional accomplishments, his proudest title in life was “Pop-Pop.” Jimmy spent innumerable hours caring for his grandchildren and taking interest in their lives. He cherished playing chess and other games with them, driving them to and from their numerous activities, and surprising them with thoughtful gifts. He was also their biggest cheerleader, attending countless dance recitals, soccer games, and other events to watch them perform.

Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife Madeline Minerly, his children Jane Manchisi and Claire Heebner, and his sons-in-law Matthew Manchisi and Jonathan Heebner. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, who were the light of his life: James, Alice, Colin, and Lucy Manchisi, and Natalie and Jack Heebner. In addition, Jimmy is survived by his sister Miriam Richard and his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Paul Richard, Judy Minerly, Susan Minerly, Maria and Spence Zettler, Margaret and Greg DeSantis, and Charles Bergin, along with his nieces and nephews. Jimmy is preceded in death by his brothers and sister Charles, Paul, Nelson, and Mary Margaret Minerly.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 24, at 10:30a.m., meeting directly in St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main Street, Trumbull, with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 2:00p.m. to 5:00p.m., in the Redgate – Hennessy Funeral home, Main Street and 4 Gorham Place, Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Special Olympics Connecticut, 2666 State Street, Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517. https://www.soct.org/.