James S. Corbett Obituary

James Sloan Corbett, 86, known affectionately as “Jim,” passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 9, 2026, in Montpelier, Vermont. Jim was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, friend, and U.S. Navy veteran, and his presence will be dearly missed.

Jim was an avid boater and fishing enthusiast, whom fish may or may not have feared. Despite the often-empty fishing rod hooks and missing bait, Jim treasured every opportunity to be on the water. Gentle in spirit and possessed of a sly, understated humor, he was adored by all who knew him, especially his children and grandchildren, whom he loved deeply and guided with unwavering support through life’s many moments, both big and small.

Jim was born on June 4, 1940, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, to Vaughan Bowerman Corbett and Mary Catherine (Sloan) Corbett. His father, a Group Captain in the Royal Canadian Air Force, was tragically killed in a flying accident on February 20, 1945, an early loss that would come to reflect the endurance Jim carried throughout his life. Following Vaughan’s death, Mary Catherine returned with Jim to her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he would spend his childhood.

In 1950, Mary Catherine married Raymond Findlay Courtney of Washington, D.C., who became a loving stepfather to Jim. As Raymond’s career with the U.S. State Department took the family abroad, Jim would also call Washington, D.C., and London home.

Jim attended St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire, 1952-1958, followed by Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, 1958-1962. After graduating, he joined the U.S. Navy, rose to the rank of Lieutenant JG, and served honorably between 1963 -1966.

While serving during the Vietnam War, Jim met his future wife, Adrienne Patricia Stewart, in Hong Kong. They married in England in 1966 and settled in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Jim earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa. The couple later moved to the Northeast, first settling in Darien and then Wilton, Connecticut and then in Duxbury, Massachusetts, where they raised their family.

Jim had a distinguished career, starting out in his family’s Sloan Oil and Gas business in Tulsa, Oklahoma, then later at Coudert Brothers in New York, New York, and then as General Counsel, Chief Administration Officer, and interim CEO of the MIB Group, in Westwood, Massachusetts over a 40-year period.

In retirement, Jim and Adrienne moved to Stuart, Florida, and later to Montpelier, Vermont to be with family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Adrienne Patricia Corbett of Montpelier, Vermont; his son Andrew Stewart Corbett and his wife, Jennifer, and grandson Boden (“Bodhi”) of Hingham, Massachusetts; his son James Courtney Corbett and his wife, Allison, and grandchildren Grayson and Riley of Cohasset, Massachusetts; his daughter Lorna Lindsay Corbett and her husband, Craig Ball, and grandchildren Emily and her husband Ankur, Gavin, Adrianna, and Eilidh of Montpelier, Vermont; his son Jeremy Vaughan Corbett and his wife, Marie, and grandchildren Vaughan and Marlowe of Montpelier, Vermont; and a number of cousins. He was especially endeared by his cousin Mary Margaret Dungey of Stuart, Florida, and her family, with whom he enjoyed growing closer during the years he spent in Florida.

He was preceded in death by his father, Vaughan Bowerman Corbett; his mother, Mary Catherine (Sloan) Corbett; and his stepfather, Raymond Findlay Courtney.

Jim’s legacy will live on in the lives of all who loved him. He would wish us all to think like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh and remember that “a little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference,” and with a sly grin would conclude with “thanks for noticin’ me.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jim’s memory to some of his favorite charities: Tunnels to Towers or St. Baldrick’s Day Foundation.

Memorial Services with full Naval Honors are planned for a future date along with a celebration of Jim's life. The family will share details as soon as arrangements are complete. Thank you all for your continued love and support.