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BORN
1938
DIED
2021
James Haggerty Obituary
He retired after serving 28 years as a Pittsfield, MA firefighter. He continued to serve his community as a driving instructor at Dave's Driving School for 42 years. This enabled him to teach driving responsibility and safety to three generations -- often from the same family. Because Jim took his job seriously, was conscientious about driver safety, and had a wonderful rapport with students, it was commonplace for him to be requested as the driving instructor.
Jim was an avid motorcyclist who had ridden in all 50 states, and was a proud member of The Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club (a group of active and retired firefighters who ride motorcycles).
Jim adored his family and was a dedicated and loving father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by the love of his life, Kathleen Bravo of Pittsfield, MA; son, James (Tiger) Haggerty of Mebane, NC; daughter, Shannon Haggerty of Pittsfield, MA; and "adopted" son, Greg Wells of Adams, MA. Grandchildren include Julia Haggerty-DeGiorgis and Brayden Haggerty-Duffy of Pittsfield; and Hope McAdams-Haggerty of Mebane, NC. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Winifred Haggerty; and by two grandsons, Adam Haggerty and David Haggerty.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Memorial Service will be scheduled and announced at a later date. Donations in memory of Jim Haggerty may be sent to the Pittsfield Fire Department Headquarters, 74 Columbus Ave, Pittsfield, MA 01201.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Haggerty
Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.
Beth Enser Maloney
April 13, 2021
Kathy, I'm so sorry for your loss. Robs family has known Jim forever due to the PFD but we also have know each other forever. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized you were a couple those many years ago. My heart goes out to you❤❤
Jon E Lifvergren
April 12, 2021
So very sad to hear of Jim's passing while on his annual trip ! I was a frequent passerby who befriended Jim in the halls of the RMV during his many years guiding new drivers through the process. Surely, I will miss seeing him from time to time. RIP, Friend ... gone to soon !
Melissa Hall
April 8, 2021
Jim has always been apart of my family since I was born. My father Bruce Damms and Jim were best friends since childhood. Every time I saw Jim he would ALWAYS remind me of when my sister and I were little we gave his motorcycle a mud bath while he was inside talking to my dad. He had such a loving and funny personality. RIP Jim you will be truly missed. I know my dad and Jim are in heaven riding bikes together once again.
John Dadak
April 7, 2021
My heart goes out to all those near and dear to Jimmie. I miss him already. I was so looking forward to his annual visit this month. We had so many great times together on the bikes. He was always there for you when you needed him. I still find it hard to believe that he is gone. It's like a part of me is missing. Through the years ,he always talked about Kathy, Shannon and Tiger with such love and admiration. I am so sorry for your loss.
John Dadak
April 7, 2021
Miss you already, Jimmie. So many great times we had together on the bikes.
Denise Sumy
April 5, 2021
Sending lots of love , hugs and prayers to the family. Shannon your dad was amazing. I am so glad I was able to meet him. He will be missed.
Judy Herrick
April 5, 2021
What a wonderful man. I remember chattling with Jim while he waited for his students and I waited for my grandson to get out of school. I'm sure he will be missed by many people. Rest In Peace Jim
Joyce Peebles
April 5, 2021
Shannon, I am so very sorry on the passing of your Dad. My heart feels for you.
Beth Palmer
April 5, 2021
The Palmer family would like to pass on our most sincere condolences. Mr. Haggerty was such a wonderful and delightful man (always full of jokes). As a daughter of Larry Palmer of Palmer's Variety Store, I grew up with Jim. Both my sister and I had him for driving school. My personal favorite memory of him was when he would yell at me "you just ran over the baby!" when I was attempting to parallel park. He would always refer to Tiger and his "special lady friend", and I wish both of you, as well as everyone else who is grieving, peace during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed.
Beth Palmer Grabowski
April 5, 2021
The Palmer family would like to pass on our most sincere condolences. Mr. Haggerty was such a wonderful and delightful man (always full of jokes). As a daughter of Larry Palmer of Palmer's Variety Store, I grew up with Mr. Haggerty, in addition to both my sister and I having him for driving school. My personal favorite memory of him was whenever he would yell at me "you just ran over the baby", when I was attempting to parallel park. He would always refer to Tiger, and his "special lady friend", and I wish you, as well as, everyone else mourning, the best during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed.
Kermit Goodman
April 4, 2021
Safe and eternally happy journey, my friend. I trusted you with my children, the most precious parts of my life. Your smile, laugh and sense of humor are missed. My sons and I will always remember you.
Laura Burch
April 3, 2021
Shannon,
I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Sending you hugs and prayers and hoping memories of your dad help get you through these hard times.
Daniel C. Elias
April 3, 2021
Never met a single person who ever said an unkind word of him, thoughts and payers to all those who knew and loved him.
Ron Kitterman
April 3, 2021
Use to talk to Jim often , a class act guy . Sort of knew something was wrong when I didn't see him at the Registry. Always had an interesting story to talk about with his trips , police, fire driving instructor and history. Condolences and prayer to his family . God Speed Jim RIP .
Bill Spaulding
April 3, 2021
Dear Kathy and Jim's family and friends, I am so sorry to hear about Jim. I saw him not long ago as I live around the corner from Dave's. Thinking of you at this time.
Berkshire Hills Harley group
April 3, 2021
To Jim's family and friends we send our condolences. THE BERKSHIRE HILLS HARLEY GROUP.
Gary Clarkson
April 3, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Jim at the driving school. He was the best and his students loved him. Jim will missed by so many!
Joseph McHugh
April 3, 2021
So Sad to hear about my good friend Jim. We had been friends for over 60 years. He had a good heart and was a wonderful role model. Always willing to help out and always followed the rules. I'll always remember his great sense of humor and will miss our get togethers. May he rest in peace. My sincere condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends
Lori Koperek
April 3, 2021
Kathy I’m so sorry for your loss.Jim was a super guy❤
Meghan
April 3, 2021
I had the honor and the privilege from 15 to 18 to work with Jim at Dave's Driving School. I ran into him often and he would always say that no matter who worked in the office he always tells them the same thing, "I am sure you'll be great but you will never be as great as Meghan." He always had the best sense of humor and spirit. I'm so terribly saddened to hear that he has passed away, but I know he was doing what he loved when he passed. Truth is Jim, there will never be another you. Thank you for your years of service as a Police Officer, Firefighter and the absolute best driving instructor. You especially were the most patient driving instructor with me, haha and for that and all the lessons you taught me that I still remember to this day, I thank you. I will have a jelly donut in your memory and toast to your life that way.
Joseph McHugh
April 3, 2021
So sorry to hear about Jim. We have been friends for over 60 years. He was a great friend, always willing to help anyone needing it. He was also a great role model as he always followed the rules. He was a fun guy with a big heart and great sense of humor. I'll miss our get togethers. My condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Karen Armstrong Covel
April 3, 2021
Dear Shannon and family, Our deepest condolence passing of your Dad. Our prayers for you and your family.
Karen & Peter Covel
Jake & Julie Marby
April 3, 2021
What a terrible loss. Jim has been a good friend for 46 years. You won't find a friendlier nor nicer person. We will miss visiting, going out to eat and going to the range with Jim every winter here. We send our condolences & sincere sympathy to Kathy and all of Jim's family.
Bruce & Mary Lamke
April 3, 2021
So may happy times spent with Jim, and the love his life, "Kat", Camping, riding the Motorcycles, and his favorite saying, after stopping for lunch, "Where's the Ice Cream?"
Jim, Rest in Peace.
Bruce & Mary Lamke
Eric Hanson
April 3, 2021
I worked with Jim for a number of years when I was first hired in the PFD. Jim was a good firefighter, always pleasant in the stations, and always willing to step forward and teach the new "probies" the skills of firefighting. I will miss him.
Michael Fiorini, Clearwater FL
April 3, 2021
My deepest sympathy goes out to Kathleen and the rest of Jim’s family. I worked with Jim for many years at the PFD and I’m saddened by his tragic accident. RIP Jim.
Laurette
April 3, 2021
Shannon I’m so sorry for your loss❤ Sending all my thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Laurette
Thomas Filippini
April 3, 2021
My condolences to Jims family and friends. I have many fond memories with him as we shared our motorcycling interested together for many decades. Happy trails Jim !
John Bernardo
April 3, 2021
My condolences to the family. May the fond memories be a comfort and always with you
Marie Russell
April 3, 2021
Mr. Haggerty was my driving instructor 54 years ago. I always requested him.
He even was my sponsor for my drivers license test. He was a wonderful man.. I am truly sorry for your loss.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Marilynn and Larry Gallup
April 3, 2021
Jim was a great friend and would do anything for anybody. He will be greatly missed by all who had the honor and pleasure of knowing him. We used to ride motorcycles with him for years. Life will be very sad without him. May he rest in peace in the arms of God. Ride in heaven Jim.
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