WESTFIELD – James F. Shea, 83, a lifelong resident of Westfield, died Feb. 28.
Shea was a faithful communicant of St. Mary’s Parish and a longtime member of the Sons of Erin. He served the city for 30 years, spending 25 years as the Westfield Public Schools’ business manager and five as its superintendent before retiring.
He served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations and lived by the motto “God, family, country.” And while he wore many hats in his lifetime, none were as important as husband, father and “Grandpa Big Jim.” Friend was another special hat to those who counted Shea among their inner circle.
“I don’t know that I’ve met anyone as dedicated to his family, faithful to his religion and committed to his community,” said longtime friend Richard K. Sullivan Jr. Sullivan was chair of the Westfield School Committee when Shea was “convinced” to take the role of superintendent of schools. “We didn’t even do a search – he was the right person at the right time, and we were fortunate he agreed.”
Sullivan said when Shea took the position, he left “big shoes to fill” as the business manager, noting Shea was “known across the state” in that position.
After retiring, Shea didn’t join new committees or take on a post-retirement job but served in his favorite role — devoted father and grandfather.
“He was a dad and he loved being a grand-dad . . . and his dogs,” Sullivan said. “He was just a good, family guy.”
Shea also loved his New England sports teams and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. His parents John and Anne Shea were from Cahersiveen, County Kerry, Ireland and Shea was always proud to be an Irishman.
Shea was predeceased in 1995 by his wife Colleen, his high school sweetheart, as well as his daughter Tara Shea Creamer, a victim of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
Shea was remembered by the Westfield School Committee this week with kind words, condolences to his family and a moment of silence.
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski did not work with Shea but said he “had the privilege of meeting Jim on multiple occasions.”
Committee Vice Chair Tim O’Connor remembered Shea as a humble person.
“I knew Jim Shea on a personal and professional level,” said O’Connor. “I did serve on the School Committee when Jim was superintendent. As a business manager and superintendent, he never sought praise and let actions speak for themselves. He was the kind of leader who walked behind you. As good a leader and superintendent as he was, he was a better father.”
Fellow Committee member Bo Sullivan also knew Shea well.
“I grew up with the Shea family, went to school with his daughters and a couple of sons,” he said. “Jim was the iconic person, not only in the public school system but around town. He never said a bad word about anybody. If you needed anything, needed advice, you could ask Jim. Westfield lost one of its iconic people.”
Committee member Cindy Sullivan said although she did not serve with Shea, she met him a couple of times over the last few years.
“I didn’t know him originally, but I certainly heard about him. I just think Bo’s right — Westfield lost an iconic person and a good human,” she said. “He will be remembered for all he did for Westfield Public Schools.”
Committee member Heather said she recalled hearing him speak about his motto.
“My heart goes out to his family and the community,” she said. “I remember listening to him say a speech for the American Red Cross: First is God, then my family and my community.”
Mayor Donald F. Humason Jr. said the last time he had a chance to speak to Shea was at the last Sept. 11 ceremony where Shea’s daughter is remembered each year. He said Shea was “the ultimate gentleman.”
“He had to deal with a lot of tragedy; he lost his wife, then on Sept. 11, lost his daughter. He spoke eloquently and passionately from his heart,” Humason said. “Jim was a gentleman, and a great community person, and on behalf of the City of Westfield I send my condolences to his family. The community, while a better place because of him, will never be the same without him.”
