Generous Windsor Locks Businessman Jim Nussbaum Dies

WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — Jim Nussbaum, a Windsor Locks native who established himself as a hard-working, generous businessman during a three-decade tenure operating his family-started package store, died Wednesday of complications from cancer. He was 70.

Bert's Spirit Shoppe, a staple of the community since its founding in 1972 by Nussbaum's parents, Bert and Ruth, has been a fixture at the northeast corner of Route 75 and North Street for more than half a century. His obituary, posted by Windsor Locks Funeral Home, says "he operated the store day-in and day-out as a proud business owner with a passion for customer satisfaction, supporting local fundraisers with wine tastings and always happy to make a tailored recommendation."

Reviews of the store on various social media platforms such as nicelocal.com carried a common theme about the top-notch quality of the establishment and of Nussbaum himself.

• "Bert's has been around for years, it's a friendly neighborhood store that is still owned and run by Bert's son. Very personable, great staff."
• "Bert's is wonderful to deal with. Was looking for Captain Morgan Jack-O-Blast pumpkin spice rum and even though he did not have it, he made a call yesterday and I was able to buy a case from him today. That is fabulous service."
• "Very helpful and nice people. They go above and beyond with customer service."
• "Very helpful and terrific selection. Great prices! Nice people and clean store."

An excellent athlete throughout his scholastic and college years, Nussbaum became a coach for youth soccer and high school tennis teams in both East Granby and Windsor Locks

"Regardless of who he was teaching, Jim would make lasting impressions – years later students would reminisce about the love of the sport he imparted on them.," his obituary reads.

Nussbaum is survived by his partner, Jan Moody; sons Michael amd Brian and their mother Fran; his brother Bobby; and a host of relatives and countless friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of Jim’s life from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, April 14 at Windsor Locks Funeral Home, 441 Spring Street. Eulogies are planned for 2 p.m., and his family wrote, "all are strongly encouraged to share their memories and stories of Jim or the impact he’s had on their lives."

His complete obituary may be read here.