James-Garrett Kanuwodi Amayi-Kelley

James-Garrett Kanuwodi Amayi-Kelley was born on August 31,1983 in Sanctuary Cove, Tucson, AZ to Elizabeth Garrett Bunker and James A. Kelley. The monsoons came the day of his birth after a long drought and so his middle name was chosen. Kanuwodi Amayi, means Healing Waters in Cherokee and he was known to many as Waters. A devoted son, he was a gift to his family. He always strived to be his best. His parents are blessed for their time with him and are immensely proud of the person he was. He was the youngest of three siblings following Benjamin and Elizabeth (Quisi). They were loyal and protective siblings, supporting and counseling each other throughout their lives. Becoming brother to Elizabeth’s husband, Noah, “Uncle Bear” to their children and being a constant presence in their lives was one the greatest joys of James-Garrett’s life. Windancer Ranch, his family home, in Cochise Stronghold, AZ instilled a love of nature that permeated his entire life. As a child, he moved to Glastonbury, CT, but summered in AZ, returning home to the ranch, and living there, throughout his life. In Glastonbury, James-Garrett found “his boys”, a strongly bonded group of lifelong friends, a chosen family sharing all their life events. He cherished Hans, JT, Sean, and Spencer as brothers, and was Uncle Funcle to their kids. Graduating from Glastonbury High School, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science / Education, Cum Laude from Central Connecticut State University. In 2010 James-Garrett met Coral Hackler, marrying in 2015. Together they traveled, building an extensive community and celebrating life. They separated in 2023, divorcing in 2025. After returning to CT in 2023, he found love again, reconnecting with Ashley McCabe. He formed a special bond with Ashley’s son Weston McCabe. James-Garrett and Ashley are expecting a child in 2026. James-Garrett was ecstatic to welcome his child. He was the quintessential renaissance man. Across his professional life he fostered a culture of integrity through ethical leadership and he believed in leading without a title. Making friends wherever he went in his worldly travels, he was diligent about keeping in touch. He was known as the “glue” that kept people together. He drew people in and could connect with anyone. He was the person everyone called when needing anything. To know him was to love him and James-Garrett will be deeply missed by all. James-Garrett passed on Friday, November 28, 2025, in a car accident in Bristol, CT. He will be buried in Cochise AZ, surrounded by the high desert, the rocks he loved and the mountains he climbed. He forged his path with integrity and honor. He leaves a legacy of love, friendship, celebration and joy. James-Garrett is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Bunker; his father, James Kelley; his brother, Benjamin Van Raam; his sister Elizabeth (Quisi) Kelley-Hogan and her husband Noah Hogan; his nieces and nephews, Jack, Izzy, Gideon and Fenn Hogan; and his child. “Remember why you came”. “Hard work is hard, keep doing the work.” “When you find the light, keep it bright; keep in sight the light that shines”. Memorial services will be held in AZ, CO and CT. For details, visit windancer.org/memorial.

James-Garrett Kanuwodi Amayi-Kelley

August 31, 1983 - November 28, 2025