CHICOPEE – James M. “Jimmer” Pray, 74, a longtime resident of the Willimansett section of Chicopee, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at The Center for Extended Care in Amherst surrounded by all the memories he loved and cherished. He was born in Holyoke on October 20, 1942, a beloved son of the late Harry E. Pray, Sr. and the late Luella (Munn) Pray. He was raised in Chicopee, graduated from Chicopee High School and was a resident of the city most of his life. He was employed for many years at the former Fisk Tire and Rubber Company, which later became Uniroyal, and worked at the Holyoke plant until its closing. Following their closing, he became an FAA Certified Aerospace Inspector and Machinist and worked at Space Age Associates in West Springfield, the Hamilton Standard Corporation, now UTC Aerospace Systems in Windsor Locks, Connecticut and lastly at the Westfield Gage Company. He was a member of the Machinist Union at Hamilton Standard. Jim was a true jack of all trades and a master of some. From being a CDL licensed truck driver, to his extensive experience as an automotive and marine mechanic, electrician, plumber and carpenter, he was known to be able to fix almost anything. Jim was the go to guy for just about any tool and always had a large inventory of zip ties, rope and duct tape. For over 47 years, Jim and his family enjoyed many summer activities at their camp on Lake Dunmore in Salisbury, Vermont. The lake was his passion, spending the days hiking, fishing, boating and on many weekends pulling every kid that was standing on the dock waterskiing. Jim spent many days enjoying conversation on his deck or at the Waterhouse’s with his many friends at the lake. He leaves his three loving children, Brian M. Pray and his wife, Debra, of Westfield, Michael J. Pray and his wife, Kristy, of Chicopee and Lynn A. (Pray) Johnson and her husband, Brad Johnson, of Warren, CT; his five cherished grandsons whom he adored, Brian R. and Christopher Pray of Westfield and Michael, Zachary and Joshua Pray of Chicopee; his dear brother, Harry Pray and his wife, Lucille, of Chicopee; his many dear nephews, nieces and cousins; his dear friend, Eileen Gosselin of Chicopee; his many dear friends at Lake Dunmore; and his numerous friends and extended members of the Pray and Munn families. His family would like to express their thanks to his caregivers in the Darhma Unit at The Center for Extended Care in Amherst for the wonderful care he received. A Celebration of Jimmer’s Life will be held on Wednesday evening, July 19, 2017 at 6 p.m. at Stetson’s Collegian Court Restaurant, 89 Park Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. There will also be a second Celebration of Life Gathering at Lake Dunmore to be held later this summer at a date and time to be announced by his family. St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020 is assisting his family with the arrangements. Please omit flowers. His family has requested that memorial donations be made in James’ name to the Lake Dunmore and Fern Lake Association. Please make checks payable to LDFLA in memory of James M. Pray, PO Box 14, Salisbury, VT 05769. For more details, please visit:
www.stpierrephaneuf.com