James S. McBride

James Sullivan McBride, 73, of Springfield, passed away on Saturday, June 07, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. James was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 13, 1951, the son of the late Lawrence and Lois J. (Sullivan) McBride. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his first wife Judith McBride, who lived her life by the mantra, "Treat people the way you want to be treated," and she was smitten with James own mantra, "If you make a sale, you make a commission, but if you make a friend, you make a fortune." When James was finally called home, he was as rich and distinguished a gentleman as the world has ever seen, surrounded by his loved ones, and feeling the strength of the prayers from his extended inner circle, all across the country.
He graduated Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania in 1973, with a B.S. in communications, and he received his M.B.A in Marketing from the University of Pittsburgh in 1976. He also received a second Masters in Psychology. He enjoyed a successful career in radio and advertising that took him and his family all across the United States, before finally settling in Western Massachusetts in 1990. Who knew the birthplace of Basketball is where he would wind up laying his roots. And strong roots they were. He was a devoted member of Springfields Christ Church Cathedral, and he proudly shared his love of music and sports with all of his family.
James is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy J. McBride of Springfield, who without her, he would not have enjoyed the extended second act in life that God graced him with. He is also survived by his five devoted children Sean McBride and his wife Amy of Hermosa Beach, CA, Kelly McBride and his wife Martha of Plymouth, MA, Patrick McBride and his fianc Bianca of San Diego, CA, David McCutchen and his husband Phillip Dubois of Feeding Hills, MA, and Rachel McCutchen and her fianc James of Hampden, MA, his brother Timothy McBride and his wife Susan of Rochester, NY, and his four cherished grandchildren Conor, Ryan, Annie and Malaika, and his mother-in-law Virginia DeSantis of Springfield. He also leaves a large extended family, including nieces, nephews, cousins and Leigh Anne Schmeck and her husband Daniel and their children Katy and Connor. In life, James let love lead the way, and he followed the same road into heaven.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 12th from 4-6 PM followed by a funeral home service beginning at 6 PM at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street in Springfield. A private committal will take place at Hillcrest Park Cemetery in Springfield. Contributions in Jim's name may be directed to Donate Life America, 5516 Falmouth Street, Suite 302, Richmond, VA 23230 or https://donatelife.net
For those who are unable to attend the service in person, all are welcome to join the service via ZOOM on June 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM EST.
Suzanne Keenan is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: James McBride Service
Time: Jun 12, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82313676724?pwd=atqgaJorxFYTdzhCIcAg51hv2zlMky.1
Meeting ID: 823 1367 6724
Passcode: 243452