James E. Smith, 68

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mr. James Edward Smith, 68, of North Adams died Friday, June 9, 2017, at his home.

He was born in Pittsfield on October 9, 1948, a son of the late Charles and Mary (Contenta) Smith. He attended Dalton schools and graduated from Wahconah High School in 1966. He then attended the New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in Boston, where he earned his degree in Funeral Directing and Embalming.

Jim worked for several years at Dery Funeral Home in Pittsfield. He then became a member of the Massachusetts Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman’s Union, and worked as a bricklayer and mason for several area contractors, until going to work for Allegrone Construction in Pittsfield, where he worked until he retired in 2010 after over 30 years of service.

He was a member of the First Congregational Church of North Adams. He was a member of the Massachusetts Bricklayer's and Allied Craftsman's Union, and was a member of the C.H. McCann Technical High School Carpentry Advisory Board. He was a former member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

Jim enjoyed Boy Scout Pinewood Derby Racing and woodworking. He was a classic car enthusiast, a fan of the New England Patriots, and loved his red truck. He was a die-hard Yankees fan.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, the former Joan M. Girgenti, whom he married on June 29, 1968; two daughters, Kimberly Burdick and her husband, Perry, of North Adams, and Aimee Zeoli and her husband, Michael, of Sunderland, Mass.; four grandchildren, including Brittany Burdick and her husband, Jesse Guiden, Nicole Burdick, Abigail Zeoli and James Zeoli; two great-grandchildren, Riley and Rory Guiden; two brothers, Charles Smith of Bradenton, Fla., and Ricci Smith of Shelburne Falls, Mass.; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral notice: Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 16, 2017, at 11 a.m. in the First Congregational Church, 134 Main St. North Adams. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery, North Adams.

Calling hours at the Paciorek Funeral Home, 13 Hoosac St., Adams, are Thursday, June 15, 2017, from 4 to 7  p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the May Institute, Office of Philanthropy, 41 Pacella Park Dr. Randolph, MA 02368, or at www.mayinstitute.org/donate.