WESTFIELD – With much sadness, love and admiration we share the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather on December 18th.
As a respected civic and social leader and staunch advocate for quality education he was involved in numerous local and regional causes that continue to benefit from his generous willingness to help.
He served in the U.S. Army 75th regional combat team in the Korean War defending Okinawa.
A graduate of Monson Academy (now Wilbraham-Monson Academy ) and Bridgeport University. Jim has crafted a long career in banking. His career began in 1957 at Third National Bank, continued at Bank of New England with retiring from Westfield Bank as a Senior Business Development Manager. Jim has helped to raise thousands of dollars for the Noble Hospital and Carson Center for Human Services. He was a member of the Westfield School Committee. M.S.P.C.C. Westfield Co-Chairman. Involved with the Wilbraham/Monson Academy Fund Raising. Pioneer Valley United Way. Past President and Director of the Greater Westfield Chamber Of Commerce. Treasurer and Director of the Citizens Scholarship Foundation. Director of Junior Achievement. Member of Westfield Kiwanis. Treasurer of the Court and Community Resources Institute. Director of Westfield Area Developement Commission. Corporator of the Westfield Boys and Girls Club. Treasurer and Trustee of Westfield Academy. The Mayor’s Community Advisory Council. Co-Chair of The Major Gift Division for the Field House for the Access to Excellence at Westfield State University. On the Committee for the Sponsorship for the Noble Hospital Ball. St. Mary’s Church Scholarship Fund. Judge Greaney Scholarship Committee. He was one of the founders of the Westfield State University Foundation in 1981 and was the last remaining board member until receiving the Director Emeritus Award in 2022. He was also one of the founders and chaired the Albert & Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center at Westfield State University for years, which was truly a highlight in his life. One of his proudest achievements was when he received the Horace Mann Award in 2014. He enjoyed watching all venues of sports and especially enjoyed playing golf where he acquired two holes-in-one in 2012 and 2017. He was an avid reader and history buff. In his later years he enjoyed tending to his poinsettias and arranging fresh flowers.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 71 years, Stella (Siembor); his precious granddaughter Rachel, the brightest light in his life; his daughter Shauna Mazza; daughter Sheryl-Phil (Lewis); daughter Kristen-Edward (Bushaw); daughter; Leah-(Gary Venne) and brother-in-law George Siembor.
He was predeceased by his parents Dr. John A. and Lillian Huffmire, his beloved son Steven, his twin brother Richard and John.
We would like to extend our warmest and sincere gratitude to all the nurses at Baystate Oncology and Hospice for their devotion and compassionate care to both Jim and the family. We would like to acknowledge this special team of healthcare professionals. RNs: Chloe, Ally, Rebekah, Desiree, Rose, Emily, Melissa, Yelisey and Cienna. The PCTs: Annie, Tanya, Sandra, Peggy, Kimesha, Gemma and Thom. PA: Kate. You all will remain forever in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Steven Huffmire Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Westfield Bank, 141 Elm Street, Westfield, MA 01085.
Celebration of Life will be December 27th at 11:00 a.m., St. Mary’s Church, 31 Bartlett Street, Westfield, MA 01085 with a private burial. Firtion Adams Funeral Services will be handling all arrangements. Website: www.firtionadams.com
