James M. Sroka

James M. Sroka, 81, of Chicopee, Ma., passed away recently at Holyoke Medical Center. He was the son of Mieczyslaw Sroka and Bronislawa (Sagan) Sroka. Jim was an Eagle Scout and graduate of Chicopee High School (1961). He was an Army Reserve Sgt. trained as a medic and a member of The Knights of Columbus. Jim received a B.S. in Natural Sciences at U-Mass. And worked for a time in the Wetlands Management Field. Jim always loved nature. If you had the opportunity to walk with him in the fields and woodlands of Western Massachusetts, you were probably treated to his identification of fauna and flora by both their common names AND their (Latin) genus and species. While still a youth Jim began raising beagles and was a longtime member and president of the Holyoke Beagle Club. He was an avid sportsman, but also a devoted conservationist. Also, Jim was a body builder in his youth, but in his early thirties he was stricken with rheumatoid arthritis. Jim fought this debilitating condition for the rest of his life, never surrendering. His perseverance and stoicism in his struggle was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. Jim was Outreach Coordinator for Fuel Assistance at the Valley Opportunity Council for over thirty years. He also organized numerous Farmer’s Markets and Summer Lunch Programs while at VOC. He worked for many years as a Summer Youth Employment Counselor for the Franklin / Hampshire Employment Training Consortium. For over a decade Jim was a Residential Program Counselor for a community living facility for adults with disabilities, in Southwick, MA. Jim will be deeply missed by his siblings; John Sroka, Christine McCann, Gary Sroka (Donna) & Laurie Messer (John). Also, his loss will be felt by his nieces and nephews: Michael, Melanie, David, Andrea, Sarah, Patrick, Heather, Gregory, Kristin, Marisa & Evan. And, by his great nephews and nieces: Madison, Jamison, Corbin, Damian, Xyris, Thomas, Lucas, Amelia, Leo, Ellis, Malcolm, Callan, Chase, Caster & Cali. Jim Sroka’s life will be remembered and celebrated at the Brunelle Funeral Home, 811 Chicopee Street in Willimansett, on Saturday, November 16, from 10 -12 noon. Burial will be private for the family at a later date. www.brunellefuneralhome.com