James A. Corey

James A. Corey, 76, of South Hadley passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025 after a period of declining health.  He was born on June 23, 1949 in Troy, Pennsylvania to Bernice (McConnell) Corey and Arthur Corey.  His family settled in South Hadley in 1950.  James was a graduate of South Hadley High School and attended Holyoke Community College.  He was later a member of the Air National Guard and was stationed in Oklahoma and Mississippi.  James worked for many years at the former Titeflex Company and the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.  He retired a number of years ago.

In his youth, James was a member of Boy Scout Troop #302 and Cub Scout Troop #33.  A lover of music, James played saxophone in the South Hadley High School band.  He was also a former member of the Tri-County Bowling Association and the South Hadley St. Patrick’s Parade Committee.  James was proud to be involved in the planning and building of South Hadley’s float in the annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.  He was a lifelong, devoted member of the United Methodist Church in South Hadley serving in the choir, as church historian and as a liaison for staff/parish relations.  For many years, James also quietly delivered hand-picked flowers to residents in area nursing homes.

James was predeceased by his parents and his maternal grandmother Mabel (McConnell) Bray.  He is survived by his sister, Jacqueline L. (Corey) Reardon, and an aunt, Betty J. McConnell, both of South Hadley; a cousin, Vickie A. (McConnell) Wilson of Middlefield; and, his nieces, Geraldine L. (Reardon) Bresnahan and Mairin F. Bresnahan, both of Holyoke. 

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday October 14th at 10am at the United Methodist Church in South Hadley. There are no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the United Methodist Church, 30 Carew Street, South Hadley, MA 01075. The O’Brien Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.