1 Photo
James Mitchell Halsey
James Mitchell Halsey, a long-time member of the Bridgehampton Club, died on July 11. He was 93.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Halsey spent his summers in Bridgehampton at the house built by his great-grandfather, Judge Hugh Halsey.
He graduated from Dartmouth in 1950 and began his career as an accountant, working for his uncle, Crawford Cook Halsey. Over the years, he worked for several international accounting firms and spent time in Paris and Geneva, where he met his future wife, Gwendoline Harris. They were married and ultimately settled in Manhattan, where she continued her work at the United Nations and he became an avid squash player, taking full advantage of his 6-foot- 3-inch height.
In 1973, the couple built a house on Wild Goose Lane in Bridgehampton, to which they would ultimately retire. They had no children of their own, so they doted on their many nieces and nephews, as well as their spouses, children and grandchildren.
In retirement, Halsey looked forward to returning to the Union League Club to meet with other “ROGUES” — Retired Old Guys Unemployed. He also enjoyed racing a Lightning in Shinnecock Bay with his brother Hugh as skipper and his nephew John, as crew.
At the Bridgehampton Club, Halsey especially enjoyed Men’s Day, even if his 9 hole rounds would frequently last more than two and a half hours. For a time, the couple were regulars at the Tuesday night beach picnics. As their mobility diminished, they often would come on Tuesday nights just for drinks on the deck. Halsey was an aficionado of martinis and spent hours lecturing his not-always-attentive nephews on the art of making the perfect ice-cold Martini, his family said.
He was predeceased by his wife, Gwendoline; his three siblings, Donald P. Halsey Jr., Dr. Hugh Halsey II, and Carol Halsey Sherman; 11 nieces and nephews, and their spouses, children and grandchildren. All lovingly called him “Uncle Jim.”
A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Bridgehampton at a date to be announced in the future.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to the Peconic Land Trust or your favorite charity.
Staff Writer on Jul 18, 2022