James-Coakley-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Curran-Jones Funeral Home - West Springfield

James William Coakley

West Springfield, Massachusetts

Feb 1, 1958 – Jul 5, 2024

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BORN
February 1, 1958
DIED
July 5, 2024
LOCATION
West Springfield, Massachusetts

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Curran-Jones Funeral Home - West Springfield Obituary

James W. Coakley, 66,  passed away with loved ones by his side on July 5, 2024. James was a long time employee of the City of Springfield’s Park Department . If you had happened to go to Forest Park , he would greet you with “What’s up?” or better yet, “Where’s my coffee?” Jimmy loved his family and friends he was known for his dance moves, his dogs, and his killer fudge! Jimmy was funny, crass, opinionated, and knew how to find joy in all things big and small. Jim is predeceased by his partner, Dwight Manning, his mother, Barbara (Coakley) Rivera, his step-father ,Everisto Rivera, his father, Alberto Rodriguez, a sister, Cynthia Rodriguez, a brother-in-law, Michael Denney and his nephew, Andrew Denney. Left to cherish his memory are his twin sister Janet Rodriguez Denney, two sisters, Cheryl Coakley-Rivera and Doreen Rodriguez Clark (Maurice), and four nephews, Jason Rodriguez, Shawn Rodriguez, Jacob Denney (Ursula) and Christopher Rodriguez (Jessica). Calling hours are Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 10-11am at Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, followed by a Mass at 11am.  The burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Chicopee. For online condolences, please visit www.curranjones.com

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I will always cherish the moments we shared especially the night we went to see Fame and then we hit The Frontier and dance until they closed.
He taught me how to make meatloaf with rice.
He was a great person and an even better friend. Will miss you.

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Dear Jan and loved ones, Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you all as you live into this loss of your beloved James today and in the coming days and months. Know that we all send our deepest sympathies in your loss. In peace and loving prayers, Renee Dewhurst and the Daughters of the Heart of Mary of the Marian Center Reunion and US Province

I never thought that it would be this soon that I'd have to go without seeing you again. I yelled so loudly when I'd found out that you passed away that I'd startled the nurse and the receptionist lol. I know you would laugh at that. We have had so many laughs together. Words cannot replace all the years we'd seen each other every single Monday and sometimes more often. You rest now my friend and I'm glad you're now at peace. I won't say goodbye, I'll just say I'll be seeing you... To your...

Janet,
I wish you peace and comfort during this time of loss. You are in my prayers.
Margot Eckert

Cheryl, Jan, and family members all, My prayer is with you this morning. When I read the news in the paper, I knew I felt like I knew this handsome man who appeared, not only to love all creation, but also to care for it with his very own hands, all of it. Now I know why and remember your parents, you, and all I do not know. Your family matters to all of us, even if we never saw you in person. You held our hands, when we didn't know it. Thank you. peace, Sister Jane Morrissey, ssj

Jimmy was definitely one of a kind. Whether we were dancing, playing those long Monopoly games at the dining room table, playing roller derby on ice skates, watching Roots and the Olympics, or frying up potatoes for a snack after school, he was wholeheartedly in it. Words can't express the sadness I feel at hearing of his passing. My sincere condolences to the family.

So sorry for your loss. I remember Jimmy in chestnut junior high school. He was a happy, go lucky kid. Fly high with the angels

Iam so sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing ,we had so much fun together,brought me into his family's home, we made some great meals together,with LOTS of laughter . HE will be missed but up there with some great people ,rest in peace Jimmy .