WESTFIELD; James (February 16 1945-January 28 2016) passed away this past Thursday surrounded by his family. He was born in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. He was a star athlete in high school, where he was the starting quarterback for three years as well as team captain. He helped lead the men’s basketball team to four straight conference championships, and was also a long distance runner on the track team with Billy Mills, who went on to win the Olympic gold medal in 1964 in the 10k meter run in Tokyo. Jim proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Air Force. He was employed at Consolidated Freightways for 25 years, and had previously worked for the railroad company. Anybody who knew him will remember his beautiful smile and infectious laugh. He was a rabid fan of Nebraska football, as well as the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox. Much of his leisure time was spent on the fairways of Western Mass with his oldest son, trying to fix his golf swing. Jim leaves his wife of 47 years, Joyce Louise Smith, formerly Joyce Raymond, his three children, Matthew, Christopher, and Megan, their spouses, Erin, Kara, and Eli. He was also the proud grandfather of 4, Michaella, Sophie, Shane and Charlotte. He was also an uncle to many, including James Morell. He also leaves a sister Camien, who he loved dearly. There are too many friends to list, but he used to jokingly refer to Matthew Schulte as his “third son.” Rest in Peace Pop. Calling hours at the Agawam Curran-Jones Funeral Home will be Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Committal services with Military Honors will be Tuesday at 2 pm at the Mass Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. For more information please go to curranjones.com.
