James V. Pocock, Sr., age 88, beloved husband of the late Ruth Stevenson Pocock, passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. A lifelong Milford resident, he was born in Milford on August 16, 1927 to the late Richard J. Pocock and Jessie Apsey Pocock. He proudly served in the US Navy during WWII and the Korean War. Following his military service, he joined the Milford Fire Department and retired as Battalion Chief. Jim was an accomplished amateur oarsman, winning several sculling championships as a young man. His passions for gardening, reading history and visiting his friends was rivaled only by avid devotion to Yale sports. Jim is survived by his sons, the Reverend James V. Pocock, Jr. and his wife Beth of Salem, MA, and Jeffrey S. Pocock and his wife Rebecca of Guilford; grandchildren, Nathan J. Pocock, Isabel S. Pocock, and Olivia Pocock; brother, Richard A. Pocock of VT. He was predeceased by his brother John G. Pocock. Calling hours will be held at the Smith Funeral Home, 135 N. Broad St., Milford on Sunday, March 6, 2016 from 3pm to 7pm. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 7, 2016 in the United Presbyterian Church, 109 Seaside Ave., Milford at 10:00AM. Interment will follow in King’s Highway Cemetery, Milford. Donations may be made in his name to the Deacons Fund of the United Presbyterian Church.