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James Aaron Obituary
Shutesbury, MA - Jim Aaron, 81, died peacefully and beloved at his home in Shutesbury on October 22, 2025. The cause was complications of Parkinson's disease.
Jim was born on January 28, 1944 in Northampton to Janet Summers Aaron and Daniel Aaron. He attended Northampton High School. As a boy, Jim fished the Mill River and grew to love the natural world which remained a source of wonder and sustenance to him throughout his life.
Having graduated from Columbia University in 1965, Jim returned to this area and began to build the house that would embody his deep knowledge of architectural history and timber construction. He became an expert sawyer, constructed a circular sawmill adjacent to his house and supplied often astonishing timber to shipbuilders and restoration carpenters.
An example to all who knew him of generosity, patience and kindness, Jim's loss is profoundly felt. He leaves his wife, Anna, his brothers Jonathan and Paul, niece Katherine and a multitude of friends whose lives were deeply enriched by his beautiful presence.
A gathering in his memory to be announced. Donations to Cooley Dickinson VNA and Hospice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Aaron
Tony and Mary Curran
March 6, 2026
We first came across Jim when he married our neighbour's daughter, Anna Mundow. Over the following years on his many visits to Ireland we became friends and spent many an evening shooting the breeze. Jim was an interesting character and, as they say in Ireland,' a once off'. Very saddened to hear of his death. Our sincere condolences to Anna and the extended family. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. Tony and Mary Curran. Bray,Co Wicklow, Ireland.
Michael Naughton
January 24, 2026
Saddened to learn of Jim's passing. I knew him back in the 1970s -- always interesting, provocative, and energetic. A true original; I will treasure the memories.
Allen Young
December 9, 2025
I met Jim Aaron when he was a freshman at Columbia College, and I was a senior. He had a marvelous sense of humor, but was serious about anarcho-socialist politics, too. Years later, we connected here in Massachusetts, both part of the "back to the land" movement. He was a pioneer, building a house using hand tools. He taught me the word "adze." I extend sincere sympathy wishes to Anna and all family and friends.
David & Mayarun Mundow
November 15, 2025
We are so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We have fond memories of staying with you both many years ago in the amazing home Jim built. We send our condolences to you Anna and to all Jim's family and friends.
Suaimhneas síoraí air
Love
David & Mayarun Mundow
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Helen Keatings and Aidan Flynn
October 30, 2025
So sorry to hear of Jim´s death. One of life´s true gentlemen.
George A.
October 30, 2025
For a life well lived and love of people met and life shared, a sadness for the loss, a joy for no more suffering or pain, a thank you to the creator of all, for allowing me the pleasure of his company.
Mary Jennings
October 24, 2025
Deep condolences to my friend Anna on the passing of the wonderful Jim. I have such happy memories of them together from when they first met in Kilkenny, Ireland,to being welcomed in their home, to great conversations about this great big world. A big presence has left us. But the memories of Jim and Anna will always be there.
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