MONTGOMERY – James H. Lutat, Sr. of Montgomery, MA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and close friends on January 1, 2023, after a brief battle with cancer. He is predeceased by his sister Geraldine (Lutat) LaPrise, Mother Pearl B. (Larrabee) Lutat, and his father Albert F. Lutat, all of Westfield, MA. He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Joyce E. (Wolfe) Lutat, and six children: Sara Lutat of Manchester, NH; James Jr. of Honesdale, PA (Barbara); Laura (Lutat) Romine of Chantilly, VA (Byron); Christopher Lutat of Stonington, CT (Faith); Daniel Lutat of Estherville, IA (Melissa); William Lutat of Glastonbury, CT (Adelina). He also leaves behind 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, all who loved and revered their “Pops.”
James was born in Westfield, MA on October 21, 1939, and attended public schools there, receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Westfield State College. James excelled in athletics from his early youth through college years at Westfield State College. He was a standout athlete in both baseball and basketball in high school and college and remained an avid athlete and fierce competitor throughout his life. James spent a career serving his community as a public school teacher and administrator in the East Hartford, Westfield, Gateway Regional and Longmeadow school systems. He was a devoted proponent of public education and an innovative leader and creator of successful learning communities throughout his career, impacting the lives of thousands of schoolchildren and their families, and the many faculty members whom he led. In retirement, he was outstanding as a member of the Western Mass Softball Relics and the Westfield Pickleball Club, where he served as an original member of the advisory board and worked successfully with the City of Westfield to create the city’s first dedicated pickleball courts. As a member of the club and a player, he was both formidable as an opponent and regarded as an exemplary coach and teacher.
James was an enthusiastic supporter of the arts, an avid reader, and an informed citizen. He was a dedicated outdoorsman throughout his life, hunting and fishing and bringing his love of nature and respect for wildlife and wilderness to his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He raised many champion field trial dogs and was widely respected as a true sportsman. When not enjoying the outdoors or competing in a variety of sports leagues, he could be found in his woodworking shop skillfully crafting carvings and other wooden creations for friends and family. His dedicated pursuit of excellence in all of his pastimes inspired high personal expectations in all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held at Scanlon Hall on the campus of Westfield State University on Saturday, February 11, from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Interment will be at the Center Cemetery in Montgomery in the Spring.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations be made in his memory to the Westfield Pickleball Club, 11 Fern Drive, Westfield MA 01085.
