James W. Lightfoot

Former Advertising Sales Manager At The Newtown Bee

James Wanless Lightfoot, 75, died May 12. Born in New Haven, December 17, 1934, he was the son of Ruth W. and John B. Lightfoot. Mr Lightfoot was a longtime employee of The Newtown Bee Publishing Company.

He attended Orange Grammar School and spent his summers at Camp Allen in Northern Minnesota. He was a graduate of Hillhouse High School in New Haven and the University of Connecticut with a degree in animal science. While at UConn he was a member of the Block and Bridle Club and a recipient of the Alumni Award.

Mr Lightfoot was active in 4-H since the age of 8. He was a 4-H sheep club leader in Litchfield County and a well-known and respected livestock judge throughout Connecticut and New England. He was a Connecticut 4-H Foundation Trustee, a member of the Litchfield County 4-H Foundation, and a director of The Flanders Nature Center. He was a member and president of the New England Sheep and Wool Growers Association. He also served as president of the Connecticut Sheep Breeders Association, as well as president and director of the American Southdown Breeders Association.

In 1955 Mr Lightfoot moved to Woodbury. He was employed from 1956 to 1965 at Curtis Folding Box Company in Shelton. From 1965 until his retirement in 1994, he was the advertising sales manager for The Newtown Bee Publishing Company.

He was active in Woodbury as the Woodbury Liaison to State Legislator Clyde Sayer. Mr Lightfoot was a member of the Woodbury Zoning Board of Appeals and a member of the Woodbury Republican Town Committee. He was a member of the Region 14 Board of Education for seven years, serving as treasurer.

He was a member of the Orange Congregational Church.

In 1994 he retired to New London, N.H. He established a personal driving service in 1995, providing local and airport transportation for his clientele.

Besides his wife Marion (Stafstrom) of 50 years, he leaves two daughters, Sarah Lightfoot Brundage and her husband, David, and Amy Lightfoot Lindstrom and her husband, Erik; three brothers; and four granddaughters. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm, Saturday, May 22, at North Congregational Church in Woodbury, with a private family burial following the service. Calling hours are Friday, May 21, from 5 to 8 pm, at North Congregational Church, Main Street, Woodbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Southdown Breeders Association Youth Scholarship Fund, 100 Cornerstone Road, Fredonia TX 76842.

The Newtown Bee        May 14, 2010