James E. Bannan, 68, died on Thursday January 21, 2016 surrounded by his family at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was the husband of Cheryl (Wallace) Bannan, his loving wife of 13 years.

Born on October 6, 1947 in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late John and Avis (Barney) Bannan. James proudly served in the United States Army. A longtime resident of Meriden, he was employed as a quality control inspector for Radio Frequency Systems for 15 years. James was determined to overcome his illness in order to return to work, where he had a real family connection. Unfortunately he had to retire because of his health issues and became dedicated to researching his illness and possible treatments that could help with quality of life. James loved classic cars, cruise nights, all types of aircrafts and planes. He always wished he could have been a pilot. James was tech savvy. An avid fisherman, he loved Rhode Island and enjoyed trips to Point Judith and Beavertail. James was happy to be home and work in his yard and tinker around the house. He loved people and especially time with his family.

Mr. Bannan is survived by his three daughters: Kathy Bannan, Erin Simone and her husband Mike, Cristina ST. Pierre and her husband Kevin; a son Jason Mitchell; five grandchildren: Elizabeth and Michael Simone, Gabrielle and Mitchell ST. Pierre and Aidan Mitchell; his brother Wayne Bannan and his wife Cathy; mother-in-law Florence Wallace; a brother-in-law Dennis Wallace and his wife Becky and several nephews.

His family would like to thank Dr. Scollan, Dr. Gerstenhaber and all of the staff on the ICU 9th and 10th floors at Smilow Cancer Center for their team effort and care given to James.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Saturday afternoon January 30th from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and attend his funeral service at 5:00 p.m. at the Stempien Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden. Burial will be private. To send an online expression of sympathy please visit www.stempienfuneralhome.com .

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of James Bannan may be made to the Smilow Cancer Hospital of Yale-New Haven, Office of Development, Yale-New Haven Hospital, PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-9979 or www.giving@ynhh.org.