Phillip James Phillip Foley of Weatogue died June 29th at home, surrounded by his family, in the arms of his cherished wife and true companion, Sandi Cone. The angelic voice of their friend Julee Glaub played in the background. Jimmy was born on July 17, 1948, in Hartford, and graduated from South Catholic High School. Shortly after graduating, he joined the Navy and served his country in the Vietnam War. He came to believe that blind faith in bad leadership is not patriotism, and was a proud, liberal Democrat. Upon returning from the service, he rejoined his father, James W. Foley, in the well-established family plumbing and heating business he had grown up in. After Jimmy's marriage to his true love Sandi on June 19, 1971, he decided to attend Tunxis Community College where he graduated with honors in 1974. He furthered his studies at the University of Connecticut in energy conservation and solar power; areas he believed would protect our environment and transform our use of natural resources. At that time he established his own business, Alternative Systems and later Enersave. He went on to co-organize the Connecticut Solar Contractor's Association, and worked to establish licensure in this field. Essentially, for over 30 years, using his education and skills as a Master Craftsman, Jimmy worked on all types of residential and commercial buildings, designing and installing innovative plumbing, heating, radiant and solar systems. He was dedicated to the principles of energy conservation in both new construction and renovations, including historic landmarks, and he volunteered his services to Habitat for Humanity and Americares. Jimmy's courage and determination to live his life to the fullest were well known to all who were close to him. He was given a new life by the donation of his dad's kidney on July 14, 1982, and despite many challenges to his health, his devotion to his family and his love of the natural world were his greatest passions and focus. Even in the face of bouts with serious illness, Jimmy's sharp wit never failed him, amusing not only his wife and friends, but many doctors and nurses who cared for this gentle soul. In fact, Sandi wants very much to acknowledge that although illness took away Jimmy's body, it could not touch their abiding love. Jimmy spent his summers by the ocean, as a child and young man in Smith's Cove in Niantic, aboard the old family boat. Later on, he and his wife found great joy in Mystic aboard their sailboat "Peacemaker," which they moored off of Mason's Island. Jimmy was, however, just as passionate about outdoor activities on land, including bicycling, hiking with his great dog Chestnut, geocaching, cross country skiing and bird watching. To his absolute delight, over the past few years, he provided protection and hearty mealworms for ten broods of bluebirds outside of his sunroom overlooking the back yard. Sandi's cat Mickey became Jimmy's lapcat during his final illness. Both Jimmy and Sandi came from large, loving families, and though they did not have children of their own, they gave of themselves and their love to their god-child Silas and his brother Christopher Burton, and god-children Andrew and Alison Mafko. Furthermore, over the years, Jimmy and Sandi took great pleasure in participating in the lives of Trinity Church kids; they especially want to acknowledge James Boyd. Jimmy was truly a spiritual man. Besides his devoted wife, Jimmy leaves members of his loving family: his sisters Sandra McNeil and her husband David, Patricia Hall, Christine Foley, and Nancy Kitchener and her husband Barry. He also leaves his special "sister" Emily La Croix and her husband Frank; his step-brother and sister Marcus and Marcelle Foley; his aunt Nancy Morin and her husband Arthur, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves to mourn him his mother and father-in-law, Wallace and Grace Cone Sr., and brothers-in-law Wallace Cone Jr. and his wife Deborah, and Kevin Cone and his wife Bonnie. Jimmy was predeceased by his mother and father, Phyllis and James Foley, his brother Gary and his nephew Daniel. Many other dear friends will miss him. The family would like to express their sincerest thanks to the transplant team at Hartford Hospital, the VA Medical Centers in Newington and West Haven, especially Drs. Anne Koss-Leland, Aldo Peixoto, Brian Borkowski, Michal Rose and her colleagues. Also Drs. Sumaira Aasi, Kieth Choate, and the staff at Yale, phlebotomists Bob and Sergio, and Nurse Maggie Grant. They would also like to thank the McLean HospiceTeam. A memorial service celebrating the life of this special man will be held on Saturday, July 14 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 120 Sigourney Street, Hartford, the Reverend Donald Hamer officiating. Reception following. In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Jimmy's name to Trinity Episcopal Church, and please become an organ donor.