Our 2026 Vestry
Back row: Russ Griemsmann, Rev. Gina Gore, Michelle Cummings, Lew Westfall, Jim Beschle, Janet Brown, Judy Griemsmann, Dave Parille
Front Row: Carolyn Flynn, Bobby Ward, Linda Harrison, Denise Holl, Jewell Smith-Thornton
Back row: Russ Griemsmann, Rev. Gina Gore, Michelle Cummings, Lew Westfall, Jim Beschle, Janet Brown, Judy Griemsmann, Dave Parille
Front Row: Carolyn Flynn, Bobby Ward, Linda Harrison, Denise Holl, Jewell Smith-Thornton
2026 Vestry
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. Hebrews 10:36
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. Hebrews 10:36
The vestry consists of nine members, elected at the annual meeting for staggered 3-year terms. Also elected at the annual meeting are the senior warden, junior warden, clerk and treasurer for one-year terms, as prescribed by the parish by-laws. The vestry meets monthly from August through June, and during July if conditions warrant. At St. James’, the vestry meeting is chaired by the rector. Each vestry member serves as chairperson or vestry liaison to the various ministries operating at St. James’.
Russ Griemsmann- Warden
When I first met my wife, Judy, she introduced me to St James. I was active in my church on Long Island, having served as the Church’s Financial Secretary and member of the Finance Committee. I moved to Danbury from Port Jefferson when Judy and I were married at St James in 2008. Judy and I worked together on the Outreach/Missions committee and the Parish Life committee. We worked on raising funds for the Joining Jesus Capital Campaign in 2020. We also took the worship leader training and conducted one service while Father Dustin was on vacation.
I retired from teaching in 2007 at New York City College of Technology (CUNY) where I taught and chaired the Computer Systems Department. Boy Scouts took a great deal of my time on Long Island. I was a Scoutmaster, Committee Chairman, Commissioner and District Chairman and supervised High Adventure Training for Adult Scouters in Suffolk County. Here in Danbury, I serve as President of the Friends of Richter Park. Judy and I have four children between us, a son and daughter-in-law in Bayport, LI with two of our grandchildren, a daughter and son-in-law in Setauket, LI, a son and daughter-in-law in Bethel with the other two grandchildren and a son in Danbury. Skiing, golf, kayaking, hiking, and travel are some of our recreational interests. Spending time in my woodworking shop gives me many happy and satisfying hours. In 2022 I was asked to serve on Vestry where I am the liaison with the Capital Projects Committee and on the Finance Committee.
When I first met my wife, Judy, she introduced me to St James. I was active in my church on Long Island, having served as the Church’s Financial Secretary and member of the Finance Committee. I moved to Danbury from Port Jefferson when Judy and I were married at St James in 2008. Judy and I worked together on the Outreach/Missions committee and the Parish Life committee. We worked on raising funds for the Joining Jesus Capital Campaign in 2020. We also took the worship leader training and conducted one service while Father Dustin was on vacation.
I retired from teaching in 2007 at New York City College of Technology (CUNY) where I taught and chaired the Computer Systems Department. Boy Scouts took a great deal of my time on Long Island. I was a Scoutmaster, Committee Chairman, Commissioner and District Chairman and supervised High Adventure Training for Adult Scouters in Suffolk County. Here in Danbury, I serve as President of the Friends of Richter Park. Judy and I have four children between us, a son and daughter-in-law in Bayport, LI with two of our grandchildren, a daughter and son-in-law in Setauket, LI, a son and daughter-in-law in Bethel with the other two grandchildren and a son in Danbury. Skiing, golf, kayaking, hiking, and travel are some of our recreational interests. Spending time in my woodworking shop gives me many happy and satisfying hours. In 2022 I was asked to serve on Vestry where I am the liaison with the Capital Projects Committee and on the Finance Committee.
Jim Beschle - Warden
I was born and raised in Danbury. I have been a lifelong member of St. James. I attended Sunday school, taught Sunday school and youth group. I have been on Building & Grounds committee for more than 35 years, chaired Building & Grounds and have been on vestry twice.
I retired in 2020 from State of CT. DEEP after over 42 years of service, 17 of that as a park supervisor. In that position, I managed the second largest shoreline park in CT with an annual attendance of 500,000. Some of my responsibilities were managing 50 seasonal and 4 full- time staff included. I coordinated with the local emergency and law enforcement as part of the park’s safety and security protocols. I coordinated with Secret Service when President Obama landed Marine One at the Park in 2012.
I am on the Board of Trustees at the Danbury Museum as the treasurer and the President of the board for Friends of Putnam Park. I enjoy woodworking, the outdoors, nature, mechanics, travel and spending time with my wife Deidra, whom I have been married to for 31 years.
I was born and raised in Danbury. I have been a lifelong member of St. James. I attended Sunday school, taught Sunday school and youth group. I have been on Building & Grounds committee for more than 35 years, chaired Building & Grounds and have been on vestry twice.
I retired in 2020 from State of CT. DEEP after over 42 years of service, 17 of that as a park supervisor. In that position, I managed the second largest shoreline park in CT with an annual attendance of 500,000. Some of my responsibilities were managing 50 seasonal and 4 full- time staff included. I coordinated with the local emergency and law enforcement as part of the park’s safety and security protocols. I coordinated with Secret Service when President Obama landed Marine One at the Park in 2012.
I am on the Board of Trustees at the Danbury Museum as the treasurer and the President of the board for Friends of Putnam Park. I enjoy woodworking, the outdoors, nature, mechanics, travel and spending time with my wife Deidra, whom I have been married to for 31 years.
Treasurer
Denise Holl – Clerk
I’ve been a member of St. James’ for 30 years. During that time I’ve served on many committees. My favorite ministries have been Mission, Pastoral Care and Faith Formation as these have been the source of my faith and spiritual growth, along with the development of deep friendships at St. James’. I plan to continue in these ministries, while supporting all other ministries at S. James’ and am very excited to fill the role of Clerk in the coming year. Retired these past few years, I spend my personal time, reading, gardening, painting and being Mom to Shiloh, my Welsh terrier.
I’ve been a member of St. James’ for 30 years. During that time I’ve served on many committees. My favorite ministries have been Mission, Pastoral Care and Faith Formation as these have been the source of my faith and spiritual growth, along with the development of deep friendships at St. James’. I plan to continue in these ministries, while supporting all other ministries at S. James’ and am very excited to fill the role of Clerk in the coming year. Retired these past few years, I spend my personal time, reading, gardening, painting and being Mom to Shiloh, my Welsh terrier.
Janet Brown – Class of 2027 - Worship
I have been a member of St. James’ for almost 40 years. I worked in the church office for 20 of those years, retiring in 2009. At the present time I am a Stephen Ministry leader, a Lay Eucharist Visitor, a member of the Altar Guild, and on the Dorothy Day Ministry team. I served as Warden for six years up until 2022. I am married to Allan Brown and have two adult children, Emma who lives in England with her husband and step-son, and Matthew who lives in Sandy Hook with our beloved grandson Eli. I am happy to be asked to serve on Vestry as Worship Committee liaison for this wonderful parish of St. James’.
I have been a member of St. James’ for almost 40 years. I worked in the church office for 20 of those years, retiring in 2009. At the present time I am a Stephen Ministry leader, a Lay Eucharist Visitor, a member of the Altar Guild, and on the Dorothy Day Ministry team. I served as Warden for six years up until 2022. I am married to Allan Brown and have two adult children, Emma who lives in England with her husband and step-son, and Matthew who lives in Sandy Hook with our beloved grandson Eli. I am happy to be asked to serve on Vestry as Worship Committee liaison for this wonderful parish of St. James’.
Carolyn Flynn – Class of 2027 - Buildings & Grounds
I have been a member of St. James’ all of my life. I am married to Bob Flynn and we have two sons and four wonderful grandchildren. I am retired from Danbury Hospital after 44 years. Where I worked as an x-ray technologist and the information systems manager for the Radiology Department.
I have served on Vestry as warden and vestry person for many years. I am currently on the Altar Guild, Buildings and Grounds, Parish Life, and the worship committee. I also work on the Dorothy Day Team.
David Parille – Class of 2027 - Stewardship
When I was born my family was living in Bethel and was attending St. Thomas Church. Shortly after that we moved to Danbury and joined St James. This is where I was confirmed and have remained. St James is the only church I have been a part of and I look forward to an opportunity to give back by joining the vestry.
Except for my college years I have lived in Danbury. My dad started a small manufacturing business that I have been a part of for 50 years. We are entering our 77thyear and have evolved into a supplier for several of the leading aerospace and aircraft companies in the country. The people at St James have shown me that their determination and hard work will ensure a successful future for our church and provide help to the people in need in our community. I am very proud of what they have done and continue to do every week. The challenges ahead will not be easy and I hope to do my small part to continue the great work they do.
When I was born my family was living in Bethel and was attending St. Thomas Church. Shortly after that we moved to Danbury and joined St James. This is where I was confirmed and have remained. St James is the only church I have been a part of and I look forward to an opportunity to give back by joining the vestry.
Except for my college years I have lived in Danbury. My dad started a small manufacturing business that I have been a part of for 50 years. We are entering our 77thyear and have evolved into a supplier for several of the leading aerospace and aircraft companies in the country. The people at St James have shown me that their determination and hard work will ensure a successful future for our church and provide help to the people in need in our community. I am very proud of what they have done and continue to do every week. The challenges ahead will not be easy and I hope to do my small part to continue the great work they do.
Bobby Ward – Class of 2028
Born in Phelps Memorial Hospital in Tarrytown, NY, I was baptized Episcopalian in
Elmsford NY, and moved to Putnam Lake in 1961. I received my confirmation at St.
Andrews Episcopal Church in Brewster NY. I attended Full Gospel Family Center for
17 years. After leaving there, I attended Mt. Zion Baptist church periodically, When
my husband and I found out the church became open to marrying the LGBTQ+
community, we began to attend St. Andrews in Brewster once again, and were married
there in 2013. St. Andrews went out and we found ourselves looking for a home church once again.
My husband grew up in Danbury so he recommended coming to St. James. Our first time was in November of 2023, and we both knew this was going to be our home church. Everyone was warm and inviting. I have been coming regularly ever since. I am on the Building and Grounds Committee, the Welcoming Committee, the
LGBTQ+ and Allies committee. I am also a part-time member of the Chancel Choir. I am very active in helping maintain the building and grounds. Semi-retired, I am starting a discount painting business.
St. James has become my Home Church and you are all my Church Family.
Born in Phelps Memorial Hospital in Tarrytown, NY, I was baptized Episcopalian in
Elmsford NY, and moved to Putnam Lake in 1961. I received my confirmation at St.
Andrews Episcopal Church in Brewster NY. I attended Full Gospel Family Center for
17 years. After leaving there, I attended Mt. Zion Baptist church periodically, When
my husband and I found out the church became open to marrying the LGBTQ+
community, we began to attend St. Andrews in Brewster once again, and were married
there in 2013. St. Andrews went out and we found ourselves looking for a home church once again.
My husband grew up in Danbury so he recommended coming to St. James. Our first time was in November of 2023, and we both knew this was going to be our home church. Everyone was warm and inviting. I have been coming regularly ever since. I am on the Building and Grounds Committee, the Welcoming Committee, the
LGBTQ+ and Allies committee. I am also a part-time member of the Chancel Choir. I am very active in helping maintain the building and grounds. Semi-retired, I am starting a discount painting business.
St. James has become my Home Church and you are all my Church Family.
Michelle Cummings – Class of 2028
I first came to St. James’ in 2005 when my wife and I moved to Danbury from Hyde
Park, NY. We had been parishioners of St. James’ Hyde Park (FDR’s church!) since 1998
and we both served on their Vestry. I have been a parishioner here at St. James’ Danbury since 2005. My wife and I separated in 2020 when we both accepted the fact that I wasno longer the man that she had married. I worked for Cartus Corporation, a global relocation service in Danbury for over 30 years until their business model changed in 2020, so that they no longer required a team of people to manage and sell the homes they had purchased on behalf of their corporate clients. That position required a unique variety of skills, including negotiation, property management, decision making, and reporting. Those skills, as well as my previous experience as a member of the Vestry in Hyde Park, will serve me well on the Vestry here in Danbury. I believe that St. James’ is currently in a unique position to increase the size of the congregation thereby allowing the church to thrive and survive. Otherwise, by maintaining the status quo, it risks the church closing its doors due to a diminishing congregation. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, just my presence here as an active and visible member of this congregation can be a confirmation to potential parishioners that St. James’ embraces the concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion and is open to all who would like to worship here. Feeling a part of this church as I do helps me to be who I am. I am attending the LGBTQ+ and Allies group that is newly formed. I have joined the renewed Welcoming Committee. I have served on and off as an Usher since arriving in 2005, a ministry that is important to me. I seek to join the Vestry because I believe that I can help the Vestry with some of the things necessary to move forward in that direction, along with the decisions necessary to maintain the physical structure of an aging church.
I first came to St. James’ in 2005 when my wife and I moved to Danbury from Hyde
Park, NY. We had been parishioners of St. James’ Hyde Park (FDR’s church!) since 1998
and we both served on their Vestry. I have been a parishioner here at St. James’ Danbury since 2005. My wife and I separated in 2020 when we both accepted the fact that I wasno longer the man that she had married. I worked for Cartus Corporation, a global relocation service in Danbury for over 30 years until their business model changed in 2020, so that they no longer required a team of people to manage and sell the homes they had purchased on behalf of their corporate clients. That position required a unique variety of skills, including negotiation, property management, decision making, and reporting. Those skills, as well as my previous experience as a member of the Vestry in Hyde Park, will serve me well on the Vestry here in Danbury. I believe that St. James’ is currently in a unique position to increase the size of the congregation thereby allowing the church to thrive and survive. Otherwise, by maintaining the status quo, it risks the church closing its doors due to a diminishing congregation. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, just my presence here as an active and visible member of this congregation can be a confirmation to potential parishioners that St. James’ embraces the concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion and is open to all who would like to worship here. Feeling a part of this church as I do helps me to be who I am. I am attending the LGBTQ+ and Allies group that is newly formed. I have joined the renewed Welcoming Committee. I have served on and off as an Usher since arriving in 2005, a ministry that is important to me. I seek to join the Vestry because I believe that I can help the Vestry with some of the things necessary to move forward in that direction, along with the decisions necessary to maintain the physical structure of an aging church.
Jewell Smith-Thornton – Class of 2028
I found St. James' Episcopal Church online during the pandemic as there was a church service at 10:00 am. The priest at that time delivered a service that touched me as I felt that there was a spiritual void in my life that only God and finding a church home could fill. When church services resumed to in-person I jumped at coming to the church and was welcomed by the members who asked my name and encouraged me to continue attending. I was overwhelmed by this and I was happy to find a church home.
Both of my parents felt it was important for me to have a relationship with God, love, and family as the core values growing up. My mother was Episcopalian and my father a Baptist helped me to appreciate attending both religious services growing up. As the middle child and only daughter growing up in an urban community. As a child myself and few other children would go to the local Baptist church for Sunday school and church service. My grandmother Beryl Rouse the family matriarch when we visited during the summers attended an Episcopalian Church In St. Croix Virgin Islands. She was a choir member and when she relocated from St. Croix to the Bronx with my Aunt found a church St. Edwards the Martyr Church Located on 109th Street between 5th and Madison Avenue in New York, this became my family’s home church. My grandmother encouraged me to become an Acolyte and I did until my Teenage years and began focusing on other things. I returned Later as a young adult with children and encouraged their Spiritual journey my daughter too become an Acolyte for the same reason. Both my mother and grandmother joined an order Daughters of the King, and I also joined this order as an adult.
By profession, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in NY and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut and enjoy speaking with people in providing counseling or groups. Perhaps providing pro bono counseling in being of service to others.
I found St. James' Episcopal Church online during the pandemic as there was a church service at 10:00 am. The priest at that time delivered a service that touched me as I felt that there was a spiritual void in my life that only God and finding a church home could fill. When church services resumed to in-person I jumped at coming to the church and was welcomed by the members who asked my name and encouraged me to continue attending. I was overwhelmed by this and I was happy to find a church home.
Both of my parents felt it was important for me to have a relationship with God, love, and family as the core values growing up. My mother was Episcopalian and my father a Baptist helped me to appreciate attending both religious services growing up. As the middle child and only daughter growing up in an urban community. As a child myself and few other children would go to the local Baptist church for Sunday school and church service. My grandmother Beryl Rouse the family matriarch when we visited during the summers attended an Episcopalian Church In St. Croix Virgin Islands. She was a choir member and when she relocated from St. Croix to the Bronx with my Aunt found a church St. Edwards the Martyr Church Located on 109th Street between 5th and Madison Avenue in New York, this became my family’s home church. My grandmother encouraged me to become an Acolyte and I did until my Teenage years and began focusing on other things. I returned Later as a young adult with children and encouraged their Spiritual journey my daughter too become an Acolyte for the same reason. Both my mother and grandmother joined an order Daughters of the King, and I also joined this order as an adult.
By profession, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in NY and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut and enjoy speaking with people in providing counseling or groups. Perhaps providing pro bono counseling in being of service to others.
Judy Griemsmann – Class of 2029
I grew up in the Bronx and moved to Brookfield at the age of ten when my Dad got a new job in Danbury. After college, I returned to Danbury, where I have resided ever since. I became a member of St. James’ when my sons, Jaime and Brett, were very young. Jaime now resides in Bethel with his wife, Joyce, and their two children, Samson and Alice. Brett is a photographer/videographer, most recently living in Austin. Before my retirement, I was a teacher/administrator at Joel Barlow High School in Redding, where I taught AP US History and American Government. Over the years at St. James’ I have served in the following ways: Member of Vestry three times (Stewardship, Welcome, Parish Life), Lector, Mission Committee, Capital Campaign Committee, flower deliverer, licensed lay preacher. I have been a lifelong member of the League of Women Voters. More recently, I have served as a member of the Richter Park Authority. In that capacity, I also represented the Richter Association for the Arts in Richter Park affairs. I enjoy my piano, golfing, and activities with my grandchildren.
I grew up in the Bronx and moved to Brookfield at the age of ten when my Dad got a new job in Danbury. After college, I returned to Danbury, where I have resided ever since. I became a member of St. James’ when my sons, Jaime and Brett, were very young. Jaime now resides in Bethel with his wife, Joyce, and their two children, Samson and Alice. Brett is a photographer/videographer, most recently living in Austin. Before my retirement, I was a teacher/administrator at Joel Barlow High School in Redding, where I taught AP US History and American Government. Over the years at St. James’ I have served in the following ways: Member of Vestry three times (Stewardship, Welcome, Parish Life), Lector, Mission Committee, Capital Campaign Committee, flower deliverer, licensed lay preacher. I have been a lifelong member of the League of Women Voters. More recently, I have served as a member of the Richter Park Authority. In that capacity, I also represented the Richter Association for the Arts in Richter Park affairs. I enjoy my piano, golfing, and activities with my grandchildren.
Linda Harrison – Class of 2029
I’m grateful to have the opportunity to serve on the Vestry. It’s an exciting time in the life of St James. I look forward to serving with the inspiration of Rev Gina to fulfil our baptismal covenant to serve God in all persons. I am passionate about being of service wherever I can help. I love being a lector. A brief biography: I was born, raised, and educated here in Danbury. I was baptized at St James and worshipped here until my twenties. I returned to St James 25 years ago and have served on the Vestry and on various committees in the past. I am the proud parent of two grown children and blessed with a daughter-in-law as well. I’m the grandmother of two boys. I never stop thanking God for my many gifts.
I’m grateful to have the opportunity to serve on the Vestry. It’s an exciting time in the life of St James. I look forward to serving with the inspiration of Rev Gina to fulfil our baptismal covenant to serve God in all persons. I am passionate about being of service wherever I can help. I love being a lector. A brief biography: I was born, raised, and educated here in Danbury. I was baptized at St James and worshipped here until my twenties. I returned to St James 25 years ago and have served on the Vestry and on various committees in the past. I am the proud parent of two grown children and blessed with a daughter-in-law as well. I’m the grandmother of two boys. I never stop thanking God for my many gifts.
Lew Westfall – Class of 2029
I have been a member of Saint James’ since 1993. I have been on the vestry twice, once under Father Joseph and again under Father Dustin. I have served as an altar server, and currently serve as an usher, financial steward, and audio tech.
I have been a member of Saint James’ since 1993. I have been on the vestry twice, once under Father Joseph and again under Father Dustin. I have served as an altar server, and currently serve as an usher, financial steward, and audio tech.