Shutesbury, MA – Jim Aaron, 81, died peacefully and beloved at his home in Shutesbury on October 22, 2025. The cause was complications of Parkinson’s disease.
Jim was born on January 28, 1944 in Northampton to Janet Summers Aaron and Daniel Aaron. He attended Northampton High School. As a boy, Jim fished the Mill River and grew to love the natural world which remained a source of wonder and sustenance to him throughout his life.
Having graduated from Columbia University in 1965, Jim returned to this area and began to build the house that would embody his deep knowledge of architectural history and timber construction. He became an expert sawyer, constructed a circular sawmill adjacent to his house and supplied often astonishing timber to shipbuilders and restoration carpenters.
An example to all who knew him of generosity, patience and kindness, Jim’s loss is profoundly felt. He leaves his wife, Anna, his brothers Jonathan and Paul, niece Katherine and a multitude of friends whose lives were deeply enriched by his beautiful presence.
A gathering in his memory to be announced. Donations to Cooley Dickinson VNA and Hospice.
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