WALLINGFORD - James R. Canning, 97, departed this life on May 26, 2016 peacefully at his home in Wallingford. He was the beloved husband of the late Annette L. (Joyal) Canning. James was born in Wallingford on March 4, 1919 to the late Patrick J. and Annie (Reynolds) Canning. A veteran of the United States Army, he served in both World War II and the Korean War. He was a graduate of the McAllister School of Embalming in New York City and served families in Wallingford and surrounding communities as a funeral director for over 40 years at the B.C. Bailey Funeral Home. He had been a member of both the Connecticut and National Funeral Directors Associations. An honorary life member of the Knight of Columbus, he was a lifelong parishioner of Most Holy Trinity Church in Wallingford where he served as an usher for many years for the Saturday evening vigil mass for over 50 years. James is survived by his sons: James D. Canning and his wife Marjorie and Ronald Canning and his wife Barbara; grandsons: Ryan Canning and his wife Meghan (Duffy) and Scott Canning; and great-granddaughter Cooper Canning. In lieu of flowers you may make a contribution in his name to Holy Trinity School, 11 North Whittlesey Ave., Wallingford, CT 06492. The family will receive friends and visitors on Friday, June 3, 2017 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at the B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 South Elm St., Wallingford when the funeral cortege will depart for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 12:00 noon at Most Holy Trinity Church. Burial with military honors will be in St. John Cemetery. To leave a message of remembrance or for directions, please visit www.BaileyCares.com.