James Rose

James "Jim" Rose was born April 7, 1938, in Utica, New York, and passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was the eldest son of the late Ralph L. Rose and Ida Mae Stoeber Rose.

A 1956 graduate of Mohawk High School, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. He served aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) from 1957 to 1960 as a Signalman Second Class in the 5th Division and later served more than 25 years in the Naval Reserve. He was recognized for his ability to grasp complex maneuvers when called upon and for strengthening his unit through steady leadership and a "can-do" attitude. His bearing in uniform was beyond reproach, and he carried himself with quiet dignity and pride.

In 1958, Jim married Alice Louise Kirchofer of Herkimer, New York. They shared 68 years of marriage as husband and wife, dance partners, and best friends. Together they raised eight children and were blessed with 26 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim and Alice were longtime members of First United Methodist Church in Pittsfield.

Soon after his Navy service, Jim began working with the Railway Express Agency, a job that brought him and his growing family to Pittsfield, where they planted roots. He later built a long career in the plumbing and heating supply industry, including time with Western Massachusetts Supply Company and more than three decades at F.W. Webb Company in Pittsfield.

His work spanned sales, management, and warehouse operations, where he brought experience and steady judgment to each position. He worked until he was 80. His customers and colleagues remembered his professional integrity, work ethic, and commitment to doing the job right.

Alongside work, music was a constant in his life. Records spun across genres and decades, and he carried his love of music into the community, performing in local variety shows for the Boys Club Alumni Association and singing for veterans' hospitals, senior groups, and local churches. In later years, as part of the Oldies But Goodies Rock-N-Roll Show he sang, danced, and worked behind the scenes in set design and production.

Jim was also a devoted NASCAR fan. Race days were followed closely, and he kept up with drivers, standings, and seasons. He had his favorites, watched each lap with attention, and was rarely far from the television when a race was on.

Jim was an avid reader and a natural storyteller. Each day began with the local newspaper and a good cup of coffee. His shelves held everything from military history to fast-paced thrillers. Reading fed his imagination and curiosity, and telling stories was how he shared himself-passing on family history, humor, and hard-earned wisdom that will be remembered and retold for generations.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Alice, and their eight children: Jim (Louise) Rose of Cheshire, MA; Kevin (Reiko) Rose of Magnolia, TX; Robert Rose of Pittsfield, MA; Steven (Carol) Rose of East Bridgewater, MA; Kristine Rose (Tom Ryan) of Pittsfield, MA; Walter (Rena) Rose of Pittsfield, MA; Kellie (Charles) Ferguson of Arlington, VA; and Karole Rose (Richard Kerr) of North Easton, MA. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and their families - Mitsuko, Caitlin, Shane (Erin), Megan (Shane), Nicholas, Alexander, Ashley, Alicia (Henry), Jesse (Leanne), Jenna (Ryan), Trey, Quinn, Liliana, and Ryan - and 12 great-grandchildren: Katarina, Sam, Kinslee, Mariana, Jordan, Kennedy, Grace James, Stella, Thaddeus, Adrian, Rosie, and baby Carter. All of whom lovingly knew him as "Poppy." They were his heart. He is survived by his sister, Sharon Rose of Pittsfield, MA.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Ida Mae, and his brothers, Peter and Michael Rose. He was also predeceased by his beloved cat, Colby, a constant companion and source of comfort.

Funeral services with Military Honors will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA. Service details will be announced at a later date.

A Celebration of Life will follow immediately after. Family and friends are welcome to attend. Those unable to attend the cemetery service are warmly invited to join us for the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim's honor to "HospiceCare in the Berkshires, Inc." or "USS Forrestal Association, Inc." in care of the Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St. Pittsfield, MA 01201