James Lawless

East Longmeadow- James “Jim” V. Lawless, 80, beloved husband of Virginia (Magnacca) Lawless, Ascended into the Journey of Everlasting Life, on June 24 2017. Jim was born in Hampden, CT. He was the son of the late Richard L. and Anna T.  (Sweeney) Lawless. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his three children, James Lawless and his wife Irene, of Belchertown, MA, a daughter Marianne Kalmbach and her husband Thomas, of Hampton, NH, and son Michael Lawless and his wife Kristen, of Colleyville, TX; seven grandchildren, Danielle and Haley Kalmbach , Faith and James Lawless, Savannah, Ashley, and Grace Lawless; two brothers-in-law Alphonse Magnacca and his wife Janice, of Agawam, and Anthony Magnacca of Springfield; one cousin Kathryn Cole and her husband Ronald Cole, of Westfield and his beloved nieces and nephews. He also leaves his faithful companion Sasha a dog he rescued. Jim was a 1955 graduate of Cathedral High School and attended Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee, MA. He was a member of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, Yankee Division for six years. Jim started his professional career with the customer service group at Diamond International Inc. and advanced to become their National Sales Manager. He made the decision to stay local and become a Sales Manager at local packaging companies which included Federal Paperboard and Laurino Packaging. He retired from Edaron Inc. in 1997. After retirement Jim became an avid golfer, one of the highlights being a hole in one at Southwick Country Club on July 21, 1997. He also developed a passion for cooking and loved having his family gather at his home to enjoy the meals he had prepared. His recipes will live on with his family. Jim was a member of many fast and slow pitch softball teams in the area. He spent much of his life coaching youth sports at all levels. He positively impacted many lives including his children and his grandchildren. He was the Women’s Varsity Basketball coach at the McDuffie School as well as coaching an assortment of AAU Basketball teams in the Western MA area. He was a faithful fan of all the Boston sports teams as well as many forms of auto racing. He loved sprint car racing, and was involved as a car owner for many years. He passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side. We would like to thank Dr. Corey, Dr. Glynn and Nurses Kelly, Christine, Erin, Katie and at Mercy Hospital for their care and compassion. We would also like to thank Dr. Mercandante, his Primary Care physician. Funeral services will be at 9:00AM Friday (June 30th, 2017) from the Forastiere Smith Family Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow, followed by a 10AM Liturgy of Christian Burial in St. Michael’s Church, 128 Maple St., East Longmeadow. Entombment will follow in the Most Holy Redeemer Mausoleum, Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 421 Tinkham Road, Springfield. Calling hours are 4:00-7:00PM on Thursday (June 29th, 2017) in the funeral home. Donations to: Sr. Caritas Cancer Center, 271 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. Please visit www.forastiere.com to leave a message of condolence.

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