James Casavant, 56, died Monday at home. He was born in Holyoke to Joan (Laporte) and Rene Casavant. James resided in South Hadley for many years prior to moving to Chicopee, then Granby. Member of the National Honor Society at South Hadley High School, graduated with honors from Holyoke Community College in 1981 and received a B.A. from UMASS Amherst in 1993. Employed as a Residential Support Specialist for Behavioral Health Network (BHN) since 1993. James was a communicant of St. Theresa's Church in South Hadley. He was a longtime member of Gold's Gym. James enjoyed motorcycles, fishing, gardening, volunteering, spending time with family and friends, and time spent with his beloved dogs. He was a fervent supporter of animal rights and welfare. He leaves his mother Joan Casavant of South Hadley, sister Karen Casavant of Ludlow and brother Russell Casavant and his wife Leigh Ann of North Carolina, along with a nephew and two nieces. Funeral Mass will be Monday at 11:30 a.m. at St. Theresa's Church in South Hadley. Calling Hours will precede the mass on Monday at Curran-O'Brien Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St. South Hadley from 9:30 to 11 a.m. For more information please go to curranobrien.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union St. Springfield MA, 01105