James (Jim) Peter White, 78, of Manchester, CT died after a long illness on February 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born on March 20, 1947, in Seattle, Washington to the late Lester and June White. Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Jane White, and daughters Jennifer Haviland and her husband Michael; Jolene Drechsler and her husband Steven; and Melissa Pietlock and her partner Kevin. He is predeceased by two brothers, Donald and Richard, and survived by his sister Rebecca Rainford. He was blessed with four grandchildren: Benjamin, Emma, Leo and Charlie.

Jim joined the Navy as a submariner during the Vietnam era. He served at the naval base in Groton, Connecticut. During his time in Groton, Jim met his beautiful wife, Jane. After they married, they moved to Washington state, where they started a beautiful family. After 6 years in Washington, they relocated to Jane’s hometown of East Hartford, Connecticut where they lived for 41 years before moving to Manchester 7 years ago.

Jim was a professionally trained executive chef. He had a passion for the culinary arts and was very dedicated to his craft. He started his career through a scholarship at a local Seattle community college, which led to a variety of jobs including working at the Seattle Space Needle, several 5-star restaurants, and corporate offices such as The Travelers. His final years as a chef, before retirement, were spent at The Little Sisters of the Poor in Enfield, a convent for retired nuns. He was a member of the Connecticut Chefs Association and was inducted into the American Academy of Chefs.

Jim was very much loved by his family and friends and a respected colleague by those who had the privilege of working with him. He was a devoted husband, wonderful father, loving grandfather, and a man of strong faith.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 21st at 10am at The First Baptist Church of Manchester, 240 Hillstown Road, where he was a member for nearly 50 years. Attendees are encouraged to wear Seattle Seahawk colors or attire.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ASPCA, Connecticut Humane Society, or the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com