James T. Collingwood Sr., 94, passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
He was born on November 25, 1927 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the son of Frank and Justine (Taber) Collingwood.
James married the love of his life, Betty Markham, on June 14, 1952 at the Old Parish Church in Sheffield. They were married for 53 years before Betty passed away on March 22, 2005.
James was a 1945 graduate of Deerfield Academy and he received his AA from the University of Massachusetts. He owned and managed Collingwood Transportation Inc. and retired in 2013. He also served in the Army and was stationed on the Panama Canal. James was active in many clubs including the Masonic Lodge, the American Legion, and the Kiwanis Club. He was a 67-year member of Old Parish Church and dedicated 57 years of public service to the Town of Sheffield serving on several boards and committees.
James is survived by his three sons, James Collingwood Jr. and wife Theresa of Ashley Falls, Bruce Collingwood of Pittsfield, and Jeffrey Collingwood and wife Joan Pezzano of Ashley Falls. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, James, Matthew, John, Noah, Grant, and Britney Collingwood, and Kyle, Zachary, and Zoe Pezzano, and four great-grandchildren, Madeline, Isaac, Adalie, and Lincoln. He is also survived by his brother Robert, and was predeceased by his sister Janet Koch and his brother Frank. He leaves his beloved terrier Cookie; they were inseparable.
Services: The family will receive friends on Friday, March 18, from 4–7 p.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington. A celebration of life will take place Saturday, March 19 at Old Parish Church, 125 Main St. in Sheffield, at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of James to the Berkshire Humane Society, the Kiwanis Club of Sheffield, or the Old Parish Church in care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230, who is caring for the arrangements. To send remembrances to his family, please visit the Finnerty & Stevens website.
