James Hennessey Obituary

James Read Hennessey
Loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, James Read Hennessey, 90, passed away peacefully, with his daughter and son by his side, late evening on Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14, 2026 (recorded the following day). Jim is predeceased by his wife, Ann McCullough Hennessey, and by his two oldest children, Erin Hennessey Hussey and James R. Hennessey II. He is survived by his children, Sharon Hennessey and John Hennessey (wife Sue); his son-in-law, Marc Hussey; and his five grandchildren, Shane Hussey, Devon Hussey, Claire Hennessey, James Mullarkey, and Patrick Hennessey, as well as extended family. Jim is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Mildred Read Hennessey, and his brothers, Robert Hennessey and Richard Hennessey.
Jim was born on June 21, 1935, in Hartford. At sixteen, "Jimmy" met Ann, and they were married for over 65 years. Together, they raised four wonderful children on Sunrise Hill Drive in West Hartford, where they lived for 52 years. They were then blessed with five grandchildren, and Jim leaves behind a legacy embodied in his family. The threads of his family tapestry wove a story of resilience, love, and enduring strength found in unity. Jim left an incredible mark on those fortunate enough to share in his journey, such as his family, neighbors, and those in the music industry.
Jim graduated from Bulkeley High School in Hartford and became a sheet metal apprentice at Pratt & Whitney. Later, at Kaman Aircraft, he worked as a draftsman in plant engineering while taking art classes at the University of Hartford. He impressed the Kaman president and earned the opportunity to manage the advertising and endorsements for the Ovation Guitars division. Throughout the 70's, he developed compelling ads and solicited famous musicians backstage at concerts. He noticed a need for guitar stands and pitched the idea of developing a line of accessories to the president. After being turned down, he, with a colleague and an investor, founded The Music People! Inc. in 1979.
With four kids being raised by Ann at home, Jim walked away from a steady salary and excellent benefits to start a company with a rejected business plan, interest rates above 15%, and a high school education. Initially, the music accessory business, On-Stage Stands, struggled. He had no shortage of innovative ideas, such as his double and triple guitar stands. What he lacked was the capital to make them a reality. But with his extraordinary business acumen and instinct for opportunity he created a two-fold solution: he created some of the first distribution partnerships in the pro audio industry, thus financing his import accessory business. His TMP-Pro pro audio division grew alongside On-Stage, and today both stand as defining leaders in the music industry.
He worked until age 85, making many meaningful improvements to his original passion, musical accessories. Today, they are common, but only because he thought of them first. Early on, he couldn't afford to patent his double and triple guitar stands. With his business success, he was awarded several patents throughout his lifetime. His trademark, On-Stage Stands, is globally recognized. Along the way, Jim shared his passion with Sharon and John, transforming TMP into a family business. Jim's creativity, charisma, and work ethic are well respected and will leave a lasting impact on the industry.
Jim, Jimmy, and eventually Jimbo was known for his creativity, from realistic pencil and ink to abstract acrylic and accomplished oil portraits. This was matched with his never-ending energy and fearlessness. He designed decorative home furnishings, such as reclaimed tobacco barn wood for G. Fox department store, while building an innovative kitchen table for his galley style kitchen to seat his family of six.
"Jimbo", a nickname he reclaimed from his youth, and Ann had a cottage in Old Saybrook for 27 years and enjoyed time with wonderful neighbors. They moved to Madison during the pandemic, where they connected with additional thoughtful neighbors. As they needed assistance, they were supported by family and dedicated care providers in their home. Sometime after Ann's passing from Alzheimer's in 2021, and from missing everyday interactions at work, Jim moved to Artis of Branford, senior memory care. He loved the energy of the endless live music, taking every opportunity to showcase his unique dance moves. In the end, Jim's ability to speak was significantly challenged, but those closest to him could still read his thoughts and feel his passion. Jim was cared for by numerous Artis, outside agency, and hospice professionals; their tireless care nourished his wellbeing and spirit, and for that his family is very grateful and appreciative. His family is especially grateful to Lorraine Sibley, who cared for both Jim and Ann over the years.
Calling hours were held on Friday, February 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, followed by an 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at the Church of St. Peter Claver, 47 Pleasant Street, West Hartford. Burial was in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim's name to NAMMfoundation.org/donate to help continue what he started and dedicated his life's passion to in the music industry. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com