James M. Scannell

James M. Scannell, age 56 of Utica NY and Worcester MA, passed away on May 13, 2022 at St. Luke's Hospital in Utica from complications of a stroke.
Jim was born and raised in Worcester, son of Edward W. Scannell Jr. and Amelia F. (Rutana) Scannell. He was a 1983 graduate of Burncoat Senior High School. He graduated from Middlebury College in Vermont. He then earned his master's degree in English from the University of Virginia and his doctorate in English literature at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.
Jim was a tenured professor at Utica University in Utica, where he taught English literature for over twenty years. He loved teaching, and he was well liked by his students and highly respected by his colleagues. On Jim's passing Utica University President Laura Casamento stated, "With his boundless humor, intelligence, and humanity, he was truly one of our guiding lights."
Jim most enjoyed being friend, confidant, companion and loving uncle to his nieces and nephews. He tried never to miss their games, plays, recitals, graduations and other school events, and he did not miss many. He was a caring and loving brother. He loved hiking, walking and cross-country skiing. Jim enjoyed cooking and trying new places to eat. He liked watching movies and TV shows, especially with his "families" in Worcester and Milton.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Edward Jr. and Amelia Scannell, formerly of Worcester. He was a devoted son, taking care of both his father and mother when they were ill later in their lives. He is survived by his brothers, sister and sisters in law: Thomas and Deborah Scannell of Worcester, Paul and Angela Scannell of Milton MA, Rev. Ann Scannell of Worcester, Edward III and Alison Scannell of Goshen NY, and John and Doreen Scannell of West Boylston MA. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Stephen, Geoffrey, Caroline, William, Katherine, Keara, Renny, Samuel, Sydney, Matthew, Brian, Sean, Jillian, and grandniece Neva. He also leaves several close friends in Utica.
Jim passed way too young. He had so much more to do, enjoy, experience, share and give.
The funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 24, at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 25 Fales St., Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Massachusetts Audubon Society, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 (www.massaudubon.org).