The Rotary Club of Enfield is honoring Enfield’s veterans by sponsoring military tribute banners that will be displayed in Higgins Park, the Town Green, Freshwater Walkway, North Main Street and Hazardville between Memorial Day and Veterans Day in 2026 and 2027. The Enfield Public Library partnered with Enfield Rotary to preserve digital versions of these banners as well as biographical information about each veteran.
James Joseph Toohey, Sr.
United States navy 1944-1946, 1947-1954
World War II
korean war
machinist’s mate 3
American Theatre Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Navy Occupation Service Medal
Jim was born on January 18, 1927, and grew up in the Bronx, NY. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944, at age 17. He completed recruit training in Sampson, NY; technical training in Philadelphia, PA; and Small Craft training at Terminal Island, CA. He served aboard the USS Pine Island, a seaplane tender, during a pivotal period in the Pacific Theatre of World War II.
After an honorable discharge in 1946, he reenlisted in 1947 with the U.S. Naval Reserve in Hartford, CT. On May 12, 1948, he married Jane Catherine Jackson, also from the Bronx. They settled in Connecticut and raised seven children over the next 15 years, all with roots in Enfield. He returned to active duty in 1950, served through 1952 during the Korean War, then rejoined the Naval Reserve and completed his service in 1954.
Jim built a career in HVAC, working for companies including Emhart and United Technologies, and later for the State of Connecticut. He died January 12, 1986, at age 58. Remembered as a loving father, he leaves behind seven children, eleven grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren.
