James M. Shanahan, 61

10/12/2001

GREAT BARRINGTON -- James M. Shanahan, 61, of 265 North Plain Road died Friday at Berkshire Medical Center following a long illness. Born in North Adams on July 5, 1940, son of James and Frances Quirk Shanahan, he attended North Adams schools and was a 1957 graduate of the former St. Joseph's High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force, where he was stationed in Thule, Greenland, and Westover Air Force bases as a firefighter. After his discharge in 1961, he moved back to North Adams. He was employed by the former Adams Supermarket chain in North Adams and moved to Great Barrington as assistant store manager in 1963. Following an injury, he returned to work for Michael Abdallah at the Lee Package Store. In the mid-1970s, he and his wife, the former Midge Ferris, purchased Elm Street Market in Stockbridge, which they operated as Shanahan's Market until illness forced him to sell the store in 1997. He was active in the Lions Club and was the current president and Lion of the Year in 1988. He also was an honorary member of the Stockbridge Sportsman's Club, and received awards from the South Lee Fire Department and Stockbridge Fire Department for his many years of service and contributions to those in need. He also received a Community Citizens Award in September 2001 from the Stockbridge Grange. He was an active volunteer in driving cancer patients for treatments. Besides his mother of North Adams, he leaves his wife, whom he married Sept. 22, 1962, at St. Francis' Church in North Adams; a son, Michael Shanahan of Sonoma, Calif.; two daughters, Linda M. Jackman of Essex Junction, Vt., and Dr. Julie M. Shanahan of Becket; a sister, Barbara Randall of Clarksburg, and two grandsons. FUNERAL NOTICE -- Calling hours will be Oct. 15, from 4 until 8 at HICKEY-ROY FUNERAL HOME. The funeral for James M. "Jim" Shanahan will be Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 9:30 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 at Corpus Christi Church in Housatonic, celebrated by the Rev. Anthony J. Jutt, pastor. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Stockbridge. The family invites friends to gather at the Stockbridge Sportsman's Club in Stockbridge following the burial service. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Jim's memory to the Stockbridge Lion's Club or to Recording for the Blind of Lenox in care of the funeral home, 33 South St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.

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James M. Shanahan, 61

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