WESTFIELD – James Valente, Jr. passed away peacefully on October 22nd, 2024 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born on June 26th, 1947 to 
parents James and Margaret Valente. He attended Westfield Vocational School and earned the nickname “Doc” when he would doctor up his buddies’ projects. Most knew him as “Doc.”
In 1974 he was drafted into the Vietnam War where he earned a Purple Heart, The Army Commendation Medal, and a Heroism Award. Doc worked at Jen-Coat for 42 years until he retired.
We would like to extend special gratitude to the East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Center for the excellent care that they provided for him in his last few years. The staff showed grace and compassion in the special care he received.
He was predeceased by his parents, James and Margaret, his brother Gary Valente, and sadly his son JJ Valente.
James leaves behind his loving wife of 37 years, Judith (Smith) Valente, his brother Fran Valente, his daughter Catrina Valente, his daughter-in-law Michelle Valente, his granddaughters Felisha Valente and Haley Valente, his stepchildren William Cottengim, Jr. (Kimberly), Wendy Bard (Matthew), his step-grandchildren, Kelsey Shultz (Peter), Connor Cottengim, Taylor Bard, and Cody Bard (Chris Bard).
The funeral will be on October 30th, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. with military honors at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA. In lieu of flowers, please mail donations to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Firtionadams.com
