Easthampton, MA – James E. (Jim) Dion, 82, passed away peacefully at home on May 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
He was born in Holyoke, MA on February 10, 1944 to the late Lucien E. Dion and Stella M. (Swiatek) Dion. He spent his childhood in Easthampton, attending the former Immaculate Conception School then Easthampton High School. In 1966, Jim enlisted in the US Army to serve in the Vietnam Campaign, stationed primarily in the Qui Nhon area with the 159th Transportation Battalion in the rank of SP4. Upon the end of his service he lived in Brattleboro, VT for a short time before returning to Easthampton where he lived for the rest of his life.
He worked briefly at the former Tubed Products in Easthampton where he met his wife Kathy then moved on to the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he worked for 29 years before retiring in 2003 as a HVAC Specialist. Jim also worked part time as a projectionist in the local movie theaters and as a school bus driver for the Easthampton schools. After his retirement he spent most of his time fishing, walking with his treasured black lab Travis, and traveling whenever possible. In 2016 he and his wife began snowbirding in their mobile home in New Port Richey, FL where he greatly enjoyed fishing off their deck.
Jim was an avid fisherman, seizing every opportunity he could to cast a line. He was also a handyman who wasn’t afraid to tackle projects around the house as well as helping others when needed. His family and friends often benefited from his energy, willingness to help, and skills around tools. His family meant the world to him and we benefited greatly from his love, guidance and support.
He leaves his cherished wife of 52 years, Kathleen (Brousseau) Dion; his loving children, daughter Bonnie (Terry Jr) Ward of Easthampton and son Steven Dion of Northampton; his beloved grandson, Terry Ward III of Easthampton; four siblings, Arlene Sears of Winter Haven FL, Barbara Coopee of Easthampton, Connie (Eddie) Faber of Manchester, CT and Donald (Kathy) Dion of Bonita Springs, FL; his close cousins; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his sister, Jean Marie Dion, his brother-in-law Ronald Sears and his nephew Jeffrey Sears.
The family is grateful for the support and care Jim received from his doctors for so many years as well as the care of the Cooley Dickinson Hospice nurses and the invaluable aid of the Easthampton EMTs in his final days.
A Funeral Mass will be held on June 27th at 10 am in Our Lady of the Valley Church, 33 Adams Street, Easthampton followed by a graveside service at St Stanislaus Cemetery, Mayher Street, Easthampton. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.
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