James P. “Jimmy” Daley

West Springfield — James P. Daley, age 66, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, October 21, lovingly surrounded by his family. Born in Springfield to the late Thomas P. and Joan E. (Manning) Daley, Jimmy began his journey in Springfield before moving to West Springfield in the fifth grade. He was a proud alumnus of St. Thomas the Apostle School and a 1977 graduate of Cathedral High School, where he excelled as a sprinter and earned a championship title. His love of speed ever present. Jimmy attended American International College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business. During his childhood, Jimmy and his three siblings spent summers with their parents at Big Alum Lake in Sturbridge. Those idyllic summers were filled with swimming, fishing, exploring, and making lifelong friends, creating wonderful memories that would last a lifetime. After college, Jimmy followed in his father’s footsteps and joined T.P. Daley Insurance Agency, where he learned all aspects of the business. In 1986, while attending an NASBP Bond School in Houston, Texas, he met Rosie. They married in 1988 and began a life filled with family, adventures, and shared passions. Jimmy’s love for Rosie, cars, and speed came together when he attended his first Indy 500 race. Every May you could find him in the bleachers between Turns 3 and 4, shirt off, beer in hand, providing a play-by-play of every car and driver. Jimmy’s love of sports cars began in his teenage years, when he owned various Corvettes and Datsuns, and that passion continued throughout his life. His extensive knowledge of cars made him the family’s go-to expert whenever it was time for his children to purchase a vehicle. His other favorite hobbies included golf, fishing, and snowmobiling. His adventures took him from Canada to South Carolina, depending on the activity, and were almost always shared with his brother and good friends. When Jimmy and Rosie’s children came along, his interests shifted to coaching their soccer and basketball teams. He was always willing to offer a post-game breakdown, sharing his observations and advice. One of Jimmy’s greatest joys was being “Pa” to his five grandchildren. His love for them was unmistakable, and they brought immeasurable happiness to his life. A favorite pastime was scrolling through Amazon, searching for things he thought they would enjoy. He was especially excited about the upcoming arrival of another grandchild, Ledger’s sibling, due in December. Jimmy’s love for his yellow Lab, Tucker, ranked just below his love for his grandchildren—and on some days, perhaps even ahead of his love for Rosie! Their bond began the moment Jimmy first laid eyes on Tucker at just six weeks old. Tucker became a constant companion and the official greeter at T.P. Daley. The family is especially grateful that Tucker was allowed to stay in Jimmy’s hospital room before his passing. Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Rosalie (Staton) Daley; his loving children, sons, Ryan (Courtney), Kellan (Kaitlynn), and Brendan (partner Marion); and his daughter, Meghan Shibley (Brett). He also leaves behind his five cherished grandchildren: Miles, Piper, Cooper, and Rosalie Shibley, and Ledger Daley. He is also survived by his siblings, Anne Klejna (Joe), Kathleen Daley, and Thomas Daley (Claire); his nephews, Joe Klejna (Tori) and Connor Daley; and his nieces, Kathleen Klejna, Elizabeth Klejna (Danny), and Erin Daley. Other survivors include his Staton family; Sister-in-law Ruthann Neddo (Leon), Brother-in-law Bob Staton (Elaine), Sister-in-law Rebecca Rosati (Joe), Nephews by law Jeff Staton, Adam Neddo (Cam), Andrew Neddo (Samantha), Jay Staton (Megan), Alex Neddo (Eva), Evan Staton (Katie). A celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held at Curran-Jones Funeral Home in West Springfield on Friday, October 30, at 11:00 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, October 29, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Jimmy will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.