James Joseph Barry III

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On November 21st, 2024, James J. Barry III, aged 58, entered eternal rest after a courageous battle with illness. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his beloved family, in a room filled with love, music, and laughter - just as he would have wanted. The true definition of a fighter, James let nothing prevent him from loving his life and enjoying it to the fullest. He was determined to live life on his own terms, and never let being sick define him. 

On February 8th, 1966, his parents Jim and Carol Barry proudly and joyfully welcomed their first born into the world. Jamie spent his formative years growing up in Levittown, Long Island, where he attended primary, middle, and high school while developing lifelong friendships. He would enjoy summers with his family at one of his favorite places, Keansburg, New Jersey, eating countless waffle ice cream sandwiches.  At an early age, Jamie developed a passion for baseball. He remained a dedicated fan of the New York Mets, committed to them throughout their highs and lows. He was somewhat pleased with their performance this year.

Jamie also spent his time playing football at Island Trees High School, excelling at the offensive tackle and defensive lineman positions. As a season ticket holder for the New York Jets, some of his most cherished memories included watching games with his brother, as well as using his culinary talents to cook the most delicious tailgating food ever to grace MetLife stadium.

At age 29 while vacationing in Ocean City, Maryland, he would meet the love of his life and soulmate, Samantha Cimino. Jamie proposed a year later, and on October 10th, 1997, the pair exchanged vows and married. Just six months after their wedding, Jamie visited a doctor for what he perceived to be a football injury to his knee. Shockingly, he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia.

With a fearless determination to fight and defeat this disease, in 1999 Jamie researched the possibility of a bone marrow transplant. Jamie’s younger brother, Peter, nobly volunteered, was tested, and found to be a suitable donor. The procedure was performed at The Fred Hutchison Institute located in Seattle, Washington. Peter selflessly went through this painful procedure in hopes of giving his older brother another chance at life. Their unbreakable bond was a testament to the importance of Peter’s contribution, as well as their love for each other.

On October 20th, 2002, Samantha blessed Jamie with the birth of their daughter, Sophia Elizabeth. He was over the moon and remained there. As the most unconditionally loving father a child could ask for, Jamie taught Sophia the importance of education, work ethic, and kindness. Their fondest memories together include going to concerts, watching Mets games, and going on rides on the Ocean City boardwalk.

In 2005, Jamie opened, owned, and operated the beloved The Water’s Edge Deli and Catering in Milford, Connecticut. For 16 years, he provided the community with beautiful catering, thoughtful food service, and of course, delicious bacon egg and cheeses. Despite the physical labor and hard work exacerbating his illness, each day he warmly welcomed customers into the deli with a genuine smile. Jamie’s family, staff, and friends stood by his side, supporting his passion. He successfully remained in business until May 2021, when health considerations left him with no choice but to retire. Prior to the deli, Jamie joined the Johnson and Wales culinary arts program and became a professional chef, working in numerous 5-star restaurants in Manhattan and Long Island. He then went on to work in corporate dining in Connecticut as a food service manager.

Over the years, Jamie, with the unceasing aid, commitment, love and support of Samantha, continued to battle against his illness. Samantha painstakingly and meticulously maintained literal thousands of medical records, determined to make certain he was to receive the proper care he needed. Sadly, Jamie’s complicated illnesses progressed, including battling thyroid cancer in 2016, and necessitated frequent prolonged hospitalizations. Although this started to overcome him, he refused to back down without a fight. During his journey, he was cared for by his extraordinarily dedicated team of doctors, specialists, physical therapists, nurses, and also the staff at Yale New Haven Hospital.

On Jamie’s last day, a “family meeting” was conducted by the exceptional ICU team at Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut. They explained that Jamie was not expected to recover, and that they expended all efforts available to them. With his best interest in mind, and with unanimous family approval, Jamie’s artificial life support was removed. Only then, without pain and in peace, he left us.

James is survived by his Wife, Samantha, Daughter, Sophia, Parents, Jim and Carol, Brother, Peter, Mother in Law, Gail, Sister-in-Law, Stacy, Brothers-in-Law, David and Christopher, Niece and Nephews, Tyler, Jake, Paidin, Valentino, and Scarlett, furry best friends Monty and Olaf, as well as the plentitude of supportive and loving immediate and extended family members.  He was predeceased by his father-in-law Richard Cimino.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at West Haven Funeral Home at the Green on Saturday, November 30th from 11:30 AM until 2:30 PM.

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