WESTFIELD – James Everett Herlihy, 81, of Westfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on May 1st, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on August 24, 1943, in Lee, Massachusetts, James was the son of the late Edward and Maude (Gibbs) Herlihy. He was a graduate of Lee High School, class of 1961. Jimmy served proudly in the United States Marine Corps for four years, an experience that shaped his lifelong values of discipline, dedication, and service. Following his military service, he worked as a skilled meat cutter, a trade he took pride in and practiced with precision and commitment.
Jimmy was known for his strength, unwavering kindness, and deep sense of loyalty; qualities that defined his life and his relationships. He will also be remembered for his strong work ethic and kind spirit.
A devoted husband, Jimmy shared 42 loving years of marriage with his beloved wife, Cindy Herlihy. Their bond was a testament to enduring love, partnership, and mutual respect; a foundation of strength and love for their growing family.
Jimmy lived life with gusto and a deep appreciation for family, the outdoors, and the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid sports fan who never missed a Red Sox game and faithfully rooted for the Raiders. He was a passionate golfer, twice achieving the rare feat of a hole-in-one, and also enjoyed hunting, motorcycle rides, playing cards, darts, and bowling. In his younger years, he proudly served on the ski patrol.
He especially cherished family vacations in Maine, often aboard his beloved pontoon boat. He found joy in dancing and listening to his favorite artists, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, and Patsy Cline. He took pride in his Irish heritage, which was often reflected in his stories and his deep love for family. Jimmy loved to cook for those he cared about, usually with an ice-cold Coors Light in hand, cracking “Jimmy Jokes”, surrounded by the laughter and love of those he held most dear.
Jimmy was predeceased by his sons, Michael Herlihy, Jeffrey Herlihy, and Kenneth Herlihy; his brother, Edward Herlihy; and his sister, Myra Whiffen.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Cindy; their children: Ashley Fagan and her husband Scott, Alyssa Jasmin and her husband Leonard, Kristin McDevitt, Erica Baker and her husband Jason, and Kris Herlihy.
He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Haley and Riley; Cole, Ella, Trey, and Zane; Kevin, Valerie, and Jesse; Michael, Elizabeth, and Malaina; Meghann and Taylor; Tyler; and many more beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought endless joy to his life.
Jimmy shared his life lessons with humor and wisdom. His legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter will live on in all who knew him.
We invite everyone to join us as we come together to celebrate the life of Jimmy on May 17th, 2025, between 2 p.m.-6 p.m., at The Knox Trail Inn, 1898 E Otis Road, East Otis, MA 01029.
A private family service will be held to honor Jimmy’s life at The Veteran Cemetery in Agawam.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his memory to the Fisher House Foundation (www.fisherhouse.org), supporting military and veteran families during times of medical need.
