The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-08-02
BY THE OUT-EASTER

of the most sincere of the many on the membership roll of Water bury Lodge of Elks. He was one of the longtime members, and his activities down the years were such that his prominence in local Elk dom was recognized by the many, in and out of the organization And plus this, Jimmy was known for his great knowledge of beef and other foods of the market, because his life was such that he spent the greater part of it back of the coun- ter, not only in his own stores, but in other well known butcher shops in various parts of the city. Then, too, in the old days, he was call member of the Fire Department, that is, he was paid two or three hundred dollars a year for call service in the days of the horse drawn apparatus, A callman then slept in the fire station, but was allowed to go on his own during the day season.
 Jimmy Courtney was rather slight of stature, but gee, how he could juggle side of beef. We saw him do this many times, first when he was trusted employe of the late William E. Riether at his market, 61 East Main Street, after MT. Riether had moved from the present Mohican Building On North Main. Street, in 1913. For years, though, MT. Riether had conducted rernPo h1yr ttn fy,ncf y.ly nt town right in the heart of Water bury, or to be exact, directly south of the present Bauby cigar store in the center. We think he bought the Mohican Building around 1912 or so, moved over there, then sold the place, and again relocated himself in the McGrath Building. east of Phoenix Avenue But Jimmy had been n the meat busi- ness long before this People in the old Abrigador ramember him as a young clerk fol Dan Murphy when the litter had, small meat mar Ret 36 PleaSa Street, and later at 315 Baldwin Street where John F. Geisler had market. In addi- ton, Jimmy, we are sure, was a clerk in Bumpers well-kept mar ket at 500 South Main Street. in the early 1so0s.
 Served As Salesman
 Around 40 years ago, Jimmy hired ouU as salesman for the Morris ,& Co beef plant in the West End. Later he had a store of his own over in the West Side, and still alter he moved out to the East End, where he remained for humber of years. The city want ed him at its neWly-opened slaugh- teri ig plant, and he went there, later to become the official food in Spet;tor of the city From the be- ginning, Jimmy felt the great im- poftance of his new position. He was a firm believer in having the public get the best food possible, especially so when they were will lfag to pay the price demanded His Teen eye was obserYant of all meats ind their condition, and upon many occasions, 1t spotted a situation that brought about condemnation on the part of the inspector, and a removal of the carcass from the premises. Jimmy was considerate. put nrm when he made a decision. and nothing could deter him once he placed the seal of disapproval upon any piece of meat.
 We just won't stand for poor meat, he declared to us once. Our people are entitled to the best. and while am in this position I am gong to act. regardless. Surely, my long training ought to be worth something in determining my de- ciSlon."
 Jimmy Courtney was of soft neart, except in the handling of foodstuff. He was a great defender of the peoples rights in this re- Spect, and adhered strictly to the law and the powers of the office ne occupied , Dealers in all lines seemed to know his thoughts and IaeaS and as a rule, offered little objection to the many rulings he was called upon to make from time to time.
 Member of St. Patricks Church
 We presumed that Jimmy was waterbury born, but the record shoWS he came from New Boston MasS. as a boy, when the Court hey family moved here. For years ms parents lived in and about Clav Street and were members of st days N''- y
 The family was large, comprising several boys and girls, and the loy- alty of each toward the other has been manifest to all neighbors and Irlends. We have attended many numerals, and were present when Jlmmy's body was lowered into the family plot at St. Josephs ceme- tery the first not the Old D as some refer to this ancient bllrial spot for the Catholics of Water bury.
 Jimmy Courtney wasn't young but the tears and grief of his good sisters and brothers, indicated at once the marked devotion of love among the living members of this me old and respected household of the south end. This sad scene am- ply proved the often expressed view ot the Elks and others that Jimmy Courtney was one fine brother
 For our own part, we knew Jin- my Courtney for the fine juicy. choice steaks he supplied his pat rons during his service with the Riether market He was honest in every word he uttered to the GUS toner, and for this reason, few ever bothered to look at the meat nelng prepared in bundle form for the home kitchen.
 Worked to Please Others
 The characteristics of man are most unique in various cases, but With Jimmy Courtney we can truthfully say his aim throughout his entire life was to please. Note, what he has done for the Elks dur ing his long membership: never was