Obituary of Deacon James Emmitt Sinclair

Deacon James E. Sinclair, 82, husband of Jeannette Douglas Sinclair, was called to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, November, 20, 2019. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Deacon Sinclair was the oldest of seven born to the late Algie Sinclair and Elizabeth (Moss) Sinclair on November 12, 1937, in Notasulga, Alabama.

Throughout his life, Deacon Sinclair was recognized for his intelligence, leadership skills, and determination. Deacon Sinclair graduated from Tuskegee High School in 1955 and moved to Waterbury in June of that year. James deeply valued education. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of New Haven with a double major in Accounting and Finance. His proudest educational achievements were not his own, but those of his three college educated sons. He first worked at UniRoyal Inc., quickly moving through the corporate ladder. He became the Supervisor of Accounting and Management Reporting at UniRoyal's corporate headquarters in Middlebury, CT, and worked in this position until 1987 when he retired after 32 years of service.

In his retirement, he focused on his personal business, Jimmie's Little Market. His store was a beloved community business which he owned and operated for 15 years. After closing his store, he worked as an accountant at the Hartford YWCA for several years. 

Deacon Sinclair was the first black Civil Service Commissioner of Waterbury. He was very involved in Granville Academy, serving as Mentor and Treasurer for many years. He used his accounting knowledge to support the Waterbury Area Council of Churches (GWINN). Deacon Sinclair served through many church ministries at Grace Baptist Church. He served as Church Treasurer, on the Usher Board, Adult Choir, Men's Choir, Men's Group, and as an Adult Sunday School teacher. Deacon Sinclair served his church and his family according to 1 Corinthians 13:4. His love of community service was also evident in his support of Covenant to Care, an organization that provides aid to children.

Deacon James E. Sinclair leaves to mourn his wife Jeannette of 60 years, 3 sons Kevin (Andrea) Sinclair, Kenneth (Noreen) Sinclair, and Keith (Tracy) Sinclair, 8 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. He is survived by three siblings, Mary Mindingall of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, John (Brenda) Sinclair of Murrells Inlet, SC, Allen O. Sinclair of Waterbury, CT; his brother-in-law William "Butch" Douglas (Gwen), sister-in-law Roxanne Sinclair, all of Waterbury, CT, and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Pastor Booker T. Sinclair and Roy T. Sinclair, and one sister, Claudia Sinclair Hughley.

Deacon James E. Sinclair's funeral services will be held Friday, December 6, 2019 11 am  at Grace Baptist Church 65 Kingsbury St Waterbury, CT. Family will receive friends at the Church Friday from 10 am to time of service. Burial will be in New Pine Grove Cemetery. Prospect Memorial Funeral Home 72 Waterbury Rd, Prospect, CT, are handling arrangements. James R. Sanders, Funeral Director.