James Sheffield Harris

1927 – 2017

James Harris passed away peacefully at home with his family. James was born on February 21, 1927 the son of Roy Dudley and Evelyn (Newhall) Harris. He attended local schools in Greenfield and graduated from Greenfield High School in 1945.

As part of the Greatest Generation Ever he served in the US Army with the 63rd Signal Company of the 42nd Rainbow Division in Austria from 1945 to 1948. Upon his return he worked for Mohawk Chevrolet as an automotive mechanic from 1949 to 1954.

In the spring of 1951 he married the love of his life, Lucille Amelia LaPointe, whom he shared his entire life with.

He then became employed as a mechanic for Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECO) in 1954 where he was known as “the friendly mechanic” and became a Class 1 mechanic before retiring in 1988. James also enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, traveling and crafts.

 James leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Lucille of Greenfield, his daughter Kathleen of Turners Falls; three sons, James Jr. of Erving, Michael of Smithfield, VA and Edward of Greenfield. He was blessed with grandchildren Amy, Taylor, Michael Harris Jr., Keith Harris, Spencer Harris, Cassandra Harris, Jay Harris, Robin Sollenberger, Sean Sumners and Abby Schwartzlow, as well as several Great Grandchildren. He also leaves his adopted daughter Debra Miller and her children Tyler and Jordan; and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, September 23rd at 10am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 221 Federal Street, Greenfield with the Rev. Timothy Campoli officiating.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Greenfield.

A calling hour will be held Saturday morning from 8:45-9:45 am at the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street, Greenfield.

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway Street, Greenfield, MA 01301.

Sympathy message available at www.kostanskifuneralhome.com. 

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