Obituary of James Bennett McCreary

James Bennett McCreary (Jamie, Big Red), 68, of Stratford, Connecticut died from natural causes on May 23, 2024. An accomplished yachtsman and racing sailor for all seasons, Jamie's many achievements included winning World, International, National, Regional, Collegiate, Frostbite and Junior championships, among others. A two-time College All-American, he was inducted into the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Hall of Fame and received a Gold Medal at the VIII Pan American Games. Jamie was a spirited drummer, avidly embraced music of many genres and collected thousands of recordings made over a 100-year span. With his wry sense of humor, he reveled in lively conversation, a wide-open dance floor, a witty retort, great bourbon, juicy beef, and the perpetual vagaries of being a NY Jets fan. Fascinated by mysteries of the universe, he celebrated new concepts and discoveries. He encouraged individuality with exuberance and excelled at having the last word. Jamie's humorous motto was: “Mess with the best and succumb with the rest.” He infused vitality, light, color and merriment into the world around him. Jamie in all his glory was athletically, rhetorically and sartorially resplendent. (That last word “resplendent” was most assuredly his.) Jamie graduated from The Hill School and Tufts University. He served as One-Design Director at U. S. Yacht Racing Union then March of Dimes Director of National Promotions before establishing his business as independent insurance specialist with emphasis on Medicare and Long-Term Care. This gratifying endeavor he valued as one of purpose and fulfillment. Jamie is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Melinda Locher McCreary; his sister and brother-in-law Catherine M. Strauch (Joel E.) of Charlottesville, VA; his brother and sister-in-law Pierce N. McCreary, Jr. (Holly Bartlett) of Redding, CT; his aunt Lou Yergat of Carlsbad, CA; sister-in-law Valerie A. Locher of Housatonic, MA; sister -in-law Delisse E. Locher and husband Harold Cable of Morris, CT; sister-in-law Felicia E. (Locher) Haynes of Chandler, AZ; brother-in-law Jeffrey H. Locher and wife Tracy A. of Wilton, CT; sister-in-law Jyllene Y. (Locher) Miller and husband Kenneth A. of Chandler, AZ; and an abundance of treasured nephews, nieces, great nephews and great niece, all of whom Jamie deeply appreciated and found highly entertaining. He was predeceased by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Pierce N. McCreary (Elizabeth) of Larchmont, NY.