James V. Harrington

PETERSHAM, MA - James V. Harrington, 78, of East St, Petersham died on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 in a logging accident.

Born in Hartford, CT. on April 29, 1946, Jim was the son of William and Caroline (Wilcox) Harrington. He graduated from the Stockbridge School at U Mass and later with a BA in Wood Technology from University of Massachusetts. While in school he was a volunteer firefighter for the Amherst Fire Department. For a time, he lived in Newfane and later Wilmington, Vermont and liked to call Vermont his real home state. He often commented in mid-November, "We'd have snow by now at home". While in Vermont, he worked for Vermont Hardwoods and part-time at Mount Snow ski resort.

Jim came to Massachusetts to work for Temple Stuart Company until he went out on his own as an independent logger founding his own company Mellon Forest Products. While Jim grew on a farm, he commented that "a logger just cut larger vegetables". He was proud of his profession and was happiest in the woods. In his spare time, he reveled in his garden where he spent many contented hours. His farmer-roots became obvious there as he grew large crops, especially of potatoes and onions that he enjoyed not only stocking up his own larder but giving to others. Every year, special people got one of his giant pumpkins. He also loved an afternoon out fishing in his canoe. He tried to teach his wife the 'psychology of catching fish' and did not seem to be distressed when she caught all the fish, including a fifty-pound salmon (that he helped reel in) during Alaska during their 1999 honeymoon. In fact, he was proud of that catch and the picture of the salmon and fisherman (woman) is still displayed in his basement "office".

Jim was also a member of the Army National Guard for twenty-two years, first in an engineer company in Vermont and later out of Gardner, MA. He was a proud veteran and enthusiastically supported other veterans.

Jim was an avid reader and a natural born teacher. A mentor to many young people, he was able to explain whatever he was teaching in great detail. One friend commented that Jim knew how to explain things without talking down to anyone. He prided himself in being able to fix things, often coming up with inventive solutions. He was especially mechanically inclined maintaining his truck and logging equipment with great care. Jim was a humble man, an old Yankee who would give his time and energy to friends and neighbors. He was known at his church, St. Peters as a helper of whoever needed a strong arm and gentle manner to aid them getting into church.

Jim was a loyal friend who loved to tell stories leaving the listener wondering if, in his Irish heritage, he had indeed kissed the Blarney Stone. He will be missed by many and remembered walking his dog with his ever-present pipe.

Jim is survived by his wife, Cynthia (whom he credits for making the best chocolate chip cookies that he often used for barter with colleagues). He is also survived by his brother Dick Harrington and wife, Penny, his niece, Kayll Frappier, husband, Scott, and their daughter Ella, and nephew Adam all of Connecticut. He is survived by three daughters from a previous marriage. He also leaves his step-sons Chay Tower-Hughes, wife, Becky and their daughter, Ruby and step-son Andrew Tower.

Jim is pre-deceased by his parents and his step-son, Jamie Tower.

Jim was an animal lover and especially loved his wife's assistance dog, Dandi (who he nicknamed 'Larry') from NEADS and Gabriel with whom he spent many walks (and pipe smoking) on the Petersham common.

There will be calling hours on December 13, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 p.m., at Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, MA.

The memorial service is at 11:00 a.m., at St. Peters Roman Catholic Church,18 North Street, Petersham, MA on Saturday, December 14, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to NEADS: Service Dogs for Veterans, P.O Box 1100. Princeton, MA or www.neads.org (specify Service Dogs for Veterans) or to the National FFA Foundation (formerly Future Farmers of America) through the local branch Smith FFA chapter at Smith Vocational and Agriculture High School, 60 Locast St. Northampton, MA 01060, or at http:www.smithtec.org.

Witty's funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM