Jim 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.”

James F. Shea, a lifelong resident of Westfield, passed away February 28, 2021. Born to John and Anne Shea from Cahersiveen, County Kerry, Ireland on July 22, 1939, Westfield, MA. He was a 1957 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Westfield. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Western New England College. He also served in the Army National Guard. He began his career at Van Norman Machine and Pratt and Whitney. James worked for the Westfield Public Schools for 30 years as the Business Manager, and for the last 5 years as the Superintendent. He was a lifelong member of the Sons of Erin. Active in his Catholic faith, he was lifelong communicant of St. Mary’s Parish in Westfield. He also served on several local nonprofit boards: Cancer House of Hope, Sarah Gillett Elderly Services, the Chamber of Commerce, St. Mary’s Elementary School Council, Noble Hospital Health Alliance, and Westfield Academy. He was most proud of his Reading Group (Literary Gems) formerly at Mount Marie Health Care Center, Holyoke, MA. As a grandfather, Jim treasured his time with his grandchildren. He could often be seen at college campuses, soccer and football fields, cheerleading competitions, theatrical performances, band concerts, baseball fields, basketball courts, construction sites, or any activity that involved his treasured grandchildren. Jim loved to read, walk, golf, travel, and spend time with his family and friends. He was an avid sports fan who loved the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, and the “Fighting Irish”—Notre Dame football... (Jim Shea's obituary on MassLive)

• Must be active member of St. Mary's Parish (attends church services)
• Must be a resident of Westfield, Massachusetts
• Student must be a school leader, or persevered through a difficult life situation
• Q: What role does your faith play in your life and at school on a daily basis?