Assist the Pelletier & Miller Family Through Heartbreak

Hello everyone. I'm writing this on behalf of our entire Pelletier & Miller family who encountered another very unexpected loss on 4/24/25.

After a nine-month rollercoaster of ups and downs following heart surgery on 8/1/24, Jimmy Pelletier left this world very unexpectedly, just 3 weeks following the unexpected passing of his sister, Liann.

Jim went in for heart surgery for replacement of mechanical valves from his original heart surgery in 2001. He went in with such confidence, only to start having unforeseen complications 2 days post-op. Following his surgery in 2001, his heart and lungs had essentially become adhered together, which was unknown until his heart surgery last year. His surgeon basically had to dissect his heart and lungs apart, which led to multiple tiny holes in his lungs, ultimately causing air leaks which in turn led to many additional complications: suspected endocarditis of his new heart valve, full open abdominal surgery, gangrene gallbladder resulting in cholecystectomy, partial lobectomy, EBV valve placements in his lungs, Dieulafoy lesion with AVM, multiple port and line placements. This is only a fraction of what he went through. He was eventually put onto a ventilator, was trached, had a naso-gastric feeding tube placed, and eventually a PEG tube placement. Initially, the doctors and PAs working with him had doubted that he would ever recover. Jimmy proved them wrong and after a long, strenuous hard fight, his initial discharge to Hospital For Special Care was in January, only to return to Hartford Hospital the following day due to respiratory distress. He continued his battle there with confidence until he was discharged back to Hospital For Special Care at the beginning of April.

He immediately began physical therapy, passed a swallow test, and was able to eat normal food for the 1st time in 9 months! He was ecstatic and so thankful to God and all prayers given. They took him off the vent and plugged his trach. His progress was amazing; he was so determined. Hearing his voice was pure magic. He was able to FaceTime, laugh, joke, and we could see the Jim we knew coming back. It was a true miracle from God.

About 2 weeks after being at Hospital For Special Care, his chest tube had somehow dislodged and came out. He was transferred back to the hospital for tube replacement. Since he was admitted as an inpatient vs. an ER admit, he unfortunately lost his room at Hospital For Special Care. Though disappointed, he never lost his faith in God in hopes of returning back to Hospital For Special Care to continue his journey. His main concern was to gain his strength back and get home to be there for his sister Liette, for Debbie (his angel as he called her), and his 3 fur babies, Allie, Boomer, and Ooly. Through continued prayers, he was transferred back on Good Friday and was doing well until Tuesday when he expressed he wasn't feeling himself. They were working with him on Wednesday and unfortunately had to urgently be transferred back to the hospital early Thursday morning.

Upon family arriving at the hospital, it was unfortunately clear that he was struggling and he would not make it through. He was made CMO and passed away at approximately 9:45 am.

My sister lost her beloved life partner. They were planning to get married at home in their backyard once Jim had recovered and returned home. His sister Liette and brother Michael are facing the unrealistic loss of two siblings less than a month apart. The list goes on. He was an uncle, a godfather, a friend who was loved by so many. The fact he will be missed is quite the understatement.

Staff at Hartford Hospital expressed their condolences in Jimmy's passing. One of the units he initially stayed on held a moment of silence for him and told Debbie what an impact he and Debbie had made.

We are creating this GoFundMe to assist with funeral and financial burdens the family is now facing. Any contribution will help our family through this unexpected nightmare.

We appreciate anything and ask that you please share this with everyone.

Best regards and thanks to all.

Sue Miller