James J. Magri

1963 - 2021

James J. Magri, 58, passed away Saturday, November 6, 2021 in his home, surrounded by his loving family, after a five-year battle against pancreatic cancer. The son of Ralph and Jacqueline Magri, he was born on February 18, 1963.

A life-long Pittsfield resident, Jimmy was educated in Pittsfield Schools and was a 1981 graduate of Pittsfield High School where he was Co-Captain and a two-year varsity goalie on the soccer team, earning All Berkshire and 2nd Team All Western Mass honors. He was inducted into the CIAO Berkshire County Soccer Hall of Fame in 2018 and was recognized for volunteering 20 years for the Kickoff Classic Youth Tournament.

Jimmy began working in the autobody industry while in high school and thereafter at Ravin Autobody, continuing on to work for himself in 1989 in a small location on Valentine Road. Through hard-work and determination he was able to realize his goal of locating to the "auto mile" and opened Magri's Auto Body, Inc., on East Street in November 1995, where he successfully remained in business for over 23 years. Throughout the years he generously donated any services his shop could provide to any organization in need, such as painting youth soccer goals, clear coating the Berkshire Carousel horses, as well as many other art projects throughout the Berkshires.

Jimmy cherished time spent with his family. Nothing brought him more happiness than being involved with his children's activities. Whether it was cheering for them courtside, mountainside, rinkside or alongside the soccer sidelines, he was always their biggest fan and never missed a game. He devoted many hours volunteering with various youth programs, especially the Bousquet Racing Program and the Pittsfield Soccer Club, making many close friends along the way.

Jimmy loved spending time on his boat on Onota Lake, traveling to Red Sox and Patriots games and to various skiing venues, with Mt Hood, Oregon, holding a special place in his heart. He found great pleasure growing his vegetable garden and loved his lunch dates with his sister and dad. He spent many years working with his brother Ralph on building and renovation projects and has missed him dearly these past few years.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Holly Shepard, whom he married on July 9, 1993 in Mount Carmel Church and their children, Timothy Shepard (Allison), Lindsey Rose Magri, and Kelsey Grace Magri. A lifetime dog lover he also leaves behind his two new golden retrievers, Sadie and Ted who simply adored him.

In addition to his father and his companion Jeanne Bresnehan, he is survived by his sister, Joan Fields and her husband James and their children, Jeffrey and Maureen Fields. He was predeceased by his mother and brothers, Ralph Magri, Jr., and John Magri. He also leaves many relatives and close, life-long friends.

We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the staff at the Cancer Center for the excellent care given to Jimmy and to HospiceCare in the Berkshires, especially Melissa, who gave unwavering and compassionate care to Jimmy and his family, allowing him to remain in the comfort of his home during the final week of his life.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held, THURSDAY, November 11, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, celebrated by Rev. Steven Montesanti, Pastor. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be held, WEDENSDAY, November 10, 2021 from 4 to 7 p.m. at DERY FUNERAL HOME.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in care of Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA 01201. PC is a brutal disease with no cure and Jimmy fought it every day with bravery, dignity and grace.