WESTFIELD – James E. Hibert, 78, passed away on May 5, 2017 with his family and friends by his side. He was born in Westfield to the late Edward J. and Dolores L. (Bargeron) Hibert. He was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School and attended Westfield State University and General Motors Institute in Detroit. Jim served his country with the United States Marine Corps from 1957-1959 attaining the rank of Lance Corporal, and was active in the Marine Corps League, who recently bestowed upon him a lifetime achievement award. He was employed by DuPont Paint, and later owned RM Lacquer in Boston. For the past 22 years, he owned and operated Hibert’s Auto Body in Westfield with his son Michael J. Hibert, who passed away in December. Jim was an avid fly fisherman, who tied his own flies and loved to fish the Westfield River. He enjoyed reading, had a love for animals, and took in many that were “unadoptable” over the years. Jim is survived by his loving daughters, Elisa Kirkpatrick and her husband Ryan of Southwick, daughter-in-law Beth Hibert of Southwick, son in law Karl Stark of Westfield, sisters Sharon Gustafson and Kathleen Palmer, both of Westfield, and his grandchildren, Jacob Cressotti, Toni Stark, Shaina Hibert, Nicholas Hibert, Lyanne Cressotti and Kalynn Stark, his longtime friends Doug, Bobby and Vinnie and his significant other, Marilyn LeClair of Westfield and her children, Michael and Michelle and grandson Truman. His daughter Cindy Stark died on May 10, 2017. The family would like to give special thanks to John Marge, his cousin, and Kelly Premny, close friend, for all their help throughout these trying times.
A Memorial Wake for James along with his daughter Cynthia Stark will be held on Tuesday May 23 from 4-7PM in the Firtion Adams FS, 76 Broad ST. Westfield. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name may be directed to the Westfield Homeless Cat Project, 1124 East Mountain Rd. Westfield, MA 01085. www.firtionadams.com
