Easthampton, MA — James Hayes McEntee died peacefully at his home in Easthampton, Massachusetts at the age of 87. Jim was born September 3, 1934 to Harry McEntee and Eileen Murphy in the Bronx, New York. He attended Saint Mary's Primary School where he was President of his class. He graduated from Mount Saint Michael's Academy for Boys.
Jim served in the United States Army from 1953 -1965. He was a veteran of both the Korean and Viet Nam wars. He graduated from Syracuse University with a Master's degree in Library Sciences.
Jim worked as a counselor for Day Break drug and alcohol treatment facilities where he managed the first HIV positive house in Rochester, New York. He also worked in mental health services for homeless Veterans in Bradenton, Florida.
Jim is predeceased by his brother Harry McEntee. "Papa Jim" is survived by his children Katie Knaak, Sean Kelley, James McEntee (Saba Nizghi), Mary McEntee (Timothy Garceau) and grandchildren Faith Kelley, John Kelley, Ryan Kelley, Noah McEntee, Matios McEntee, Maggie Garceau and Eileen Garceau and ex-wife Karen Sterlace.
Jim was an avid reader and writer. He wrote a book entitled "Judas & Justice." He spent his later years living in Hilton and Rochester, New York; Bradenton, Florida; Buffalo, New York; and Easthampton, Massachusetts.
Jim enjoyed listening to Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Vera Lynn and the Big Bands of the 1930s. He also loved watching Turner Classic Movies, especially Casablanca & the Maltese Falcon, with his dog Nelson. He enjoyed sitting on his front porch in Buffalo or being taken for walks around Easthampton by his volunteer from Easthampton Neighbors, David. He enjoyed baseball and was a fan of the New York Mets.
Friends and Family are invited to meet at Our Lady of The Valley Church, 33 Adams St, Easthampton on Friday August 19, 2022 at 1PM. The Family invites everyone to a memorial gathering at the Delaney House following at 2 PM. Boucher-O'Brien Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Donations in his memory can be sent to the Tom Golisano Children's Hospital in Rochester, NY.