James Frank Ferrara

Jim Ferrara, 59, died unexpectedly on January 4, 2022 at home. He leaves behind his loving wife of 19 years Maria (Goncalves) Ferrara of Ludlow, his sons Andrew, Michael and James Ferrara of Ludlow, his mother Iris (Daniele) Ferrara of Ludlow, his brother Joseph Ferrara Jr. and his wife Jill of Ludlow, his brothers-in-law Joe Goncalves and his wife Dianne and their children Nicholas, Tyler, Liliana, and Joey, and Manny Goncalves and his wife Shannon and their children Adrain, Sidney and Maria, and many extended family and friends in Western MA and in Italy.
Jim was predeceased by his father Joseph Ferrara and his maternal grandparents Espedito and Emilia Daniele who were very close to Jim as he grew up.
Jim was born in Springfield MA on May 25, 1962 and grew up with his family in Ludlow MA. He graduated from Ludlow High School, and went on to achieve a BS in Finance from Babson College. Working in the family business, Indian Orchard Pizzeria, he gained a penchant for sales in the food industry and met and fell in love with his wife Maria. He went on to work for Waybest Foods in CT as an Executive Sales Representative, and continued with the company as it became Nebraskaland based in NY.
Jim had a passion for soccer. He played for the Ludlow HS State Championship Team in 1980. He loved watching his favorite team, Juventus Football Club of Italy with his three sons and beloved uncle, Frank Daniele. Jim was the Assistant Coach for the Ludlow Boys Varsity High School Soccer Team and Head JV Coach, as well as previously coaching for the Mutiny FC youth program. He also enjoyed golf, basketball, and American football. He always looked forward to spending time with his family, especially on their vacations to the family homes in Hampton Beach NH and Bracigliano Italy.
Jim was a strong, warm and gentle-hearted man with an amazing smile and a deep love for his family.
All are welcome to celebrate Jim’s life. His visitation will be on Sunday January 9, 2022 from 2-5pm in Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation, 220 N. Main St., East Longmeadow MA. His funeral will be Monday January 10, 2022 at 8:45am in the funeral home, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 123 William St., Springfield. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Most Holy Redeemer Mausoleum, Springfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jim’s name may be made to Lions Den Athletic Association Memo: Boys Soccer and sent to Ludlow High School Attn: Tim Brillo, 500 Chapin Street Ludlow, MA 01056. To leave an online condolence, visit www.forastiere.com.