SOUTH HADLEY

James J. Long, 75, of South Hadley passed away suddenly on Wednesday July 12, 2017. He was born in Holyoke, son of the late William F. and Nora (Ford) Long, and was a 1960 graduate of Holyoke High School. Jim was a Firefighter in the City of Holyoke Fire Department for 32 years, retiring in 1998. Jim was also employed at Holyoke Sporting Goods. He served in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam era. Jim coached the Yankee Pedlar team in the Holyoke Youth Baseball League from 1960 to 1974, and was also a League Director. He was a coach in the Holyoke Youth Football League for 23 years and was currently the Manager of the People’s Bank Tri-County League Baseball Team, a position he held since 1989. Jim was a former Assistant Football Coach at Westfield State College for three years, and had also coached the West Springfield High School Football Team, Cathedral High School Football Team, and was Freshman Baseball Coach. He was a member of Holyoke Elks #902, Knights of Columbus Council 90, and American Legion Post 325. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a sister Cathy M. Long in 1998. He is survived by his uncle, Howard Ford and his wife Margaret of Holyoke, and many cousins. The funeral will be held Tuesday at 9:00am from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton St. Holyoke, followed by Mass at 10:00am in St. Patrick’s Chapel of St. Jerome Church. Burial will take place in St. Jerome Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Monday, July 17th from 3:00 to 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holyoke Fireman’s Aid Association, 600 High St. Holyoke, MA 01040