Obituary of James Ellsworth Asmuth, Jr.
James Ellsworth Asmuth Jr., of Wethersfield, Connecticut, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 28, 2026.
Jim was born in Neenah, Wisconsin, on September 11, 1946, to James Ellsworth Asmuth Sr. and Helen Asmuth. He was a proud graduate of Georgetown University. He owned Northeast Copy and retired at the age of 48. In the years that followed, he embraced life fully. He and his devoted wife, Carolyn, shared travel adventures, golf outings, and countless memorable dinners. They enjoyed their home on Nantucket for many years and spent their time between Hebron, Connecticut, and Bluffton, South Carolina, as Jim pursued his lifelong love of birding.
Jim was far more than a birder—he was a highly regarded amateur ornithologist and a cherished mentor within the Hilton Head Audubon community. He found great joy in leading programs, teaching others to recognize bird calls and feathers, and contributing recordings to Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology in support of avian research and education. He became a Master Birder and taught a class through the Hilton Head Audubon Society.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Carolyn; his daughters, Eloise Mongillo and her husband Michael, and Kate Johnson and her husband T. Michael; and his stepsons, Derek Yaworsky and his wife Christine, and Dustin Yaworsky and his wife Lauren. He was predeceased by his stepson, Damon Yaworsky.
He is also survived by his siblings: Peter Asmuth, Mary Ellyn Wroblewski, David Asmuth, Barbara Asmuth, Tom Asmuth, and Tracy Oberbrunner.
Jim was a devoted grandfather to nine grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Baba”: Cassandra, Helena, Marlowe, and Skyler (children of Kate Johnson and T. Michael); Dylan (Lauren) Damon, and Celia (children of Derek and Christine); and Dane and Devin (children of Dustin and Lauren).
Calling hours will be held at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave, Glastonbury, Connecticut, on Thursday, February 5, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Burial will be private burial. A larger celebration of Jim’s life will be scheduled in June, when friends and loved ones will be welcomed to gather in his memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hilton Head Audubon Society, PO Box 6185, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938. For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.