James Walter Lathrop, 70, passed away on November 9, 2009 at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London.
James was born on July 6, 1939 in New London, the son of the late Walter F. and Janet M. Lathrop. His wife of 47 years, Sara H. Lathrop; his two children Heather Lathrop-Williams of Stonington, CT and David H. Lathrop of Wethersfield, CT and grandchildren Douglas and Katherine Williams of Stonington, CT survive him. His son Peter A. Lathrop, who died at birth, predeceased him. His brother John Lathrop and wife Lois of Franklin, NC and his sister Judy Cashman of Port St. Lucie, FL, will sadly miss him.
James, the namesake of his great-grandfather, J. W. Lathrop, founder of the Lathrop Marine Engine Company, grew up in Mystic and Groton Long Point. Jim attended Mystic Academy and Phillips Exeter Academy, graduating from the Palm Beach Private School in 1957. He went on to receive a BS in Business Administration from Stetson University in 1963 and attained his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh in 1976.
A veteran of the armed services, James served the US Army in Mannheim, Germany from 1964-1967. For his last assignment he was the commander of the 7th Army Supply Depot. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain and received the Army Commendation Medal.
James had a long business career, developing his leadership skills in financial positions at companies such as Westinghouse and Imperial Glass Corporation. Though his early career took him away from Mystic, in his heart he remained devoted to the region, until he returned and settled with his family over twenty-five years ago. He went on to become a Certified Public Accountant, opened his own accounting practice, Lathrop and Company CPAs, in Mystic in 1984 where he remained until his retirement in 1999.
In addition to his business achievements, Jim was devoted to civic and community involvement. He was an active member in many capacities at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and as President of the Mystic Rotary Club. Jim also served as President of the Mystic Flag Committee, Treasurer of the Mystic River Historical Society, and Trustee of the Mason’s Island Yacht Club.
Jim had wide and varied interests, including a love of jazz, sailing, refining the art of making blueberry pancakes, and travel. Together with his wife Sara, he was able to visit nearly every continent.
His family will receive relatives and friends at a memorial service that will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 15 Pearl St, Mystic, on November 30, 2009 at 2pm. After the service there will be a celebration of Jim’s life at the Mason’s Island Yacht Club, 7 Yacht Club Rd, Mystic..
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either the Westerly Adult Day Services, 65 Wells Street, Westerly, RI 02891 or the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, 27 Chase Street, Pawcatuck, CT 06379.
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