Edward James Brennan III, (lovingly known as Jim to family and close friends) age 63, of Essex died on December 31, 2013 while wintering on his boat in Charleston, SC. He was born July 10, 1950 in New Haven to Edward J. Brennan Jr. and Jane Von Beren Brennan, both of whom predeceased him. Mr. Brennan leaves a sister, Karen Brennan of Wallingford, a brother, David and his wife, Pam, of Freeport, ME, nephews, William Porter, Jr. and his wife, Lori, of Killingworth, Samuel Brennan and his wife, Katy, of Chapel Hill, NC, Travis Brennan of Topsham, ME and Benjamin Brennan of Portland, ME, and grand nieces, Sarah and Katherine Porter of Killingworth. He was formerly married to Gail Robinson Brennan of Guilford. Jim graduated from Guilford High School in 1968 and earned his Bachelor's Degree at Washington College, Chestertown, MD in 1972. Mr. Brennan was in the investment business for more than 30 years having held positions of Financial Advisor, Branch Manager and First Vice President-Investments at the Wells Fargo Advisors' Essex Branch. Mr. Brennan was a seasoned yachtsman and enjoyed time spent on the water, sailing his beloved vessels, the Fresh Breeze and, earlier, the Makkia. He was a former member of the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club. While it was difficult to draw him away from the water during the summer months, he would often be found reminiscing about sailing adventures with friends at the Black Seal in Essex. He loved playing his guitars and enjoyed listening to island music by artists like Jimmy Buffet. Jim was known by his family and friends to be a kind and gentle man and liked things pure, simple and uncomplicated; a quiet sail, a good book and memorable sunsets. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staffs of the The Charleston City Marina and Charleston City Boatyard for their patience, endless compassion and overwhelming guidance and support following Jim's disappearance.

Funeral services will be held at the First Congregational Church of Madison on Wednesday, November 12 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to "Save the Sound", 142 Temple Street, Suite 305, New Haven, CT 06510. Arrangements are with Hawley Lincoln Memorial, 1315 Boston Post Road, Guilford. To sign the online guestbook please visit hawleylincolnmemorial.com.