James F. Shea, 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 2, 2021. Jim was a lifelong resident of Ware, born to the late Edward and Stephanie (Jezyk) Shea. He graduated from Ware High School where he was captain of the football team and was awarded the Marine Corp League Trophy for sportsmanship on and off the field; displaying qualities of leadership, integrity and a strong work ethic that became even more evident throughout his life.

After high school Jim enlisted in the US Army, serving as staff sergeant during the Korean War before attending Northeastern University and graduating from Boston University, College of Engineering. He worked on various projects as a civil engineer but was most proud to have finished out his career at the Massachusetts State Police Academy, retiring in 1996. Jim was an active member of the Ware community serving as town tax assessor and was instrumental in the planning and rehabilitation of a new senior center. For years he enjoyed maintaining the family home he built on Fisherdick Road with his much adored collies by his side, a daily coffee with friends at Crystal Springs, and time spent with his wife and family at their house on Cape Cod.

Jim was a funny, kind and generous man who had a deep love for his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Carolyn (Galanska) Shea; his four daughters, Maureen Kos of Ludlow, Beth Powers and her husband Mike of Clinton, CT, Cathy Shea of Sandwich, and Margaret Shea of Ware; six grandchildren, Marybeth Petracone and husband John of Ware, Lauren O'Brien and husband Marty of South Hadley, Emily Massey and husband Scott of Rotonda West, Florida, Katy Green and husband Rick of South Hadley, and Olivia Powers and Ryan Powers of Clinton, CT; and five great-grandchildren, Dominic, Caroline, Andrew, Bennett and Wesley. He is predeceased by his parents, 6 siblings and his cherished grandson, Andrew.

Jim will be remembered as a hard working, jack-of-all-trades, family man who believed in living each day to its fullest. He is loved and missed by many.

Friends and family are invited to meet for a Funeral Mass on Saturday March 6 ^th at 10 am at All Saints Church, in Ware. Burial to follow at Saint Williams Cemetery. For more information please visit curranobrien.com