James C. Sommers, 70, of Vernon, loving husband, father, and grandfather (Pa), died Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center after a 16-year fight with cancer.

Jim was born in Baltimore, Md., on April 6, 1943, to the late Carl and Helen (Orlowski) Sommers. He was raised in Manchester and attended local schools. He graduated from the University of Hartford and was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the Army. He has been a resident of Vernon since 1969, and was a registered land surveyor for over 38 years and had his own private practice, J.C. Sommers Associates.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Joan (Brizitis) Sommers; his daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Thomas Brady of Middlefield; and his two grandsons Hayden James and Jack Richard; two sisters, Patricia Hetzel, and her husband, Robert, of Manchester, Judith Hems of Vernon; and his brother, Charles Sommers of Guerneville, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was an amazing, positive, and compassionate person. He was a pillar of strength for his family and truly a hero to everyone who knew him. Please remember him with joy, happiness, and smiles!

We would also like to extend our special thanks and gratitude to all the staff at the St. Francis Cancer Center who lovingly cared for Jim over the years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 2, at 10 a.m. at St. Bernard Church, 25 St. Bernard Terrace, Rockville, and a burial will be done privately at St. James Cemetery in Manchester.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Saint Francis Cancer Center for the Ted Kennedy Patient Assistance Program, 114 Woodland St., Hartford, CT 06105-1208.

The Holmes Funeral Home in Manchester has care of arrangements.

To leave a message for his family please visit

www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com