Messages from high school classmates

Here is a lightly edited collection of notes that poured in from fellow members of the New Canaan High School (NCHS) class of 1957. The class's 50th reunion rekindled many flames of communication.

Jim figured large in discussions at our reunion—almost as if he were there. It is amazing how a person one hasn’t seen in so long could be so present. I’m very glad Jessica sent me his bio for the reunion classbook; it wouldn’t have been the same without him. Jim was one of the “brains” of the class, but his wit, sense of humor and friendly personality kept him from being isolated. And he was a terrific Professor Whitesides in our class play. I imagine he was a wonderful teacher.
Gail Kenny

I only knew Jim for two years at NCHS, but we fast became good buddies. I always enjoyed his sharp wit and somehow he put up with my off-the-wall humor. Even in those tender years he was a giant of an intellectual, always searching for clarity. I will always remember the uproarious bridge games at Sally Henson's house where Jim's competitiveness became something more than philosophical! It's odd how a person not seen in fifty years can be missed.
Bill Remington

I too am deeply saddened by the passing of Jimmy. I won't pretend to knew his as well as the others did. He was one of the "brains" of our class. I also remember his performance in the senior class play, something I didn't even appreciate until one of my sons began performing in plays locally. It takes a special talent to do that as well as he did.

Take strength in knowing he was loved by so many and was remembered so well after 50 years. He's in God's hands now, where there is no pain and sorrow.
Freda Voorhees Kisken

I knew Jim Bucciarelli from kindergarten through high school. He was always one of the top students in every class each year. All of us enjoyed his quick wit, ready smile and exceptional intellect. It was a continuing challenge to try to match him in our studies. He was a good friend to all.

At the high school graduation ceremony, he and I were jointly given the award for most outstanding student in the graduating senior class. The recipients were determined by the school faculty. I believe it was the first time there had ever been a tie. I can assure you I was totally surprised and I felt very honored to be put in the same category as Jim. After graduation, he went to Harvard and I went to Yale, continuing the friendly rivalry that existed through high school.

All of us who attended the class reunion in October wished Jim could have been there with us. Our thoughts and prayers went out to him. He will be missed but I assure you he will not be forgotten.
David Merritt

I only attended NCHS for two years, but remember Jim as a very intelligent and sophisticated classmate. His memory will live on with all of us.
Diane Winnicki Tannehill

Let me add my respects for Jim, one of my best friends in NCHS. Yes I remember the class play, the bridge games, putting footprints on Philip Johnson's glass house, and many an argument about what was in the NY Times that day. We were co editors of the high school newspaper and spend many hours pondering layouts and headlines. I wish I could have visited with him one last time at the reunion.
Roger Johnson

Jimmy (I knew him long enough to call him that) and I went back a long way. I remember selecting him as my boyfriend in fourth grade in Miss Hughe's class. She was a task master but we all managed to have fun sending notes back and forth. Then I remember Jim and Jean visiting at my parents house after Jessica was born. Jean was nursing Jessica and Jim was so proud to be a father.
Bobbi Eberman Fisher

We were not close friends but I always admired him for his brains and abilities. I have one story to illustrate this. Jim and I were in Wyatt Teubert's sophomore literature class learning about the way that classical literature speaks to us on many levels. On an exam one day, on the Odyssey, we were asked to write an essay on Telemachus' search for his father, which symbolized everyman's search for his father. I remember that Jim and I were praised by our teacher for our efforts that day. Just the two of us. I was sure that I had arrived--I was in a group with Jim. I wish I had got to know him better.
John O'Connor

I was so sorry to learn that Jim had been in ill health for some time. I will remember him forever as Jimmy, and I fondly remember delightful parties we attended at their house on Dan's Highway in New Canaan. Jim was always one of the smartest boys we knew, but one of the nicest too.
Diane Harry Weeghman

I was the Lorraine to Jim's Sheridan Whiteside in the high school play. We were both sarcastic and not always kind about people we decided to make fun of. But Jim was always kind and good to me. Just know I loved him and will always love him. I am sure he was a good father. Sally Henson Kahn

Jim and I always enjoyed playing Scrabble. We were fellow "townies" together and I will always have fond memories of him.
Howie Breslow

Jim was an amazing man, a unique individual. We were close friends in high school, and I learned from him how to think skeptically and independently. My wife Ann and I were not only his classmates in high school, I was his classmate at Harvard as well. Indeed, we also got our M.A.T’s at Wesleyan at the same time. He had the knack of being both serious and fun at the same time.
Ann Kingsbury Smith and Curtis Smith

I am deeply saddened by Jim’s death and am trying to find some solace in the thought that he is now free from affliction. We all lamented Jim's health at our New Canaan High School reunion and his absence. My good high school friend Dick Keiler remarked on the particularly sad irony of Jim’s absolute need of a wheelchair as in our class play, The Man Who Came to Dinner. Jim resided in an intellectual strata above mine so the only time we really interacted was during that play and the rehearsals preceding it. He was clearly with the brightest and the best of the class and I am sure he lived his life in a similar universe.
Walt Keller

I was saddened, but not totally surprised, to hear of Jim’s death. I know that he had been ailing for a while. I had known Jim since we started kindergarten together in 1944 at Center School in New Canaan. He was always a good friend. I know that he will be greatly missed by his family and by his friends. May God let them reflect on all that he accomplished in his life and know that he is now in Peace.
Nancy Tuttle Paganoni

Jim was in many of my classes and activities during high school, and I will always have fond memories of him.
Marilyn Hulme deNeuf

I have great memories of Jim! I remember he was a very good student. I sure had a great time with him in the play "The Man Who Came to Dinner". I will always cherish to precious times we shared! We sure missed him at the 50th Reunion; I'm glad for his bio [in the reunion directory]. I won't ever forget Jim.
Keith Cooper

We who knew him in high school knew that he was special. We were a small class (about 75 of us) and we succeeded as a class because we had individuals who stepped up and took responsibility. Jim was instrumental in putting out the Courant, our newspaper. In addition he was involved in the Choraleers and was selected to go to All State. He was a great professor Whitesides in our play senior year. We still see him as a shining light.
Eleanor Cunliffe Woods