JAMES VINICK

VINICK--James Eugene. James Vinick, 84, of Longmeadow, MA, passed away on June 10, 2025. Born November 23, 1940, he was the son of Anne and Leonard Vinick. Known affectionately as "Big Jim" to family. Jim led a life defined by boundless energy, success, and service to his community. He was a man of purpose who did things his way--with pride and humor. Jim grew up in Springfield, MA, next to Forest Part. At age 32, he launched a distinguished, 50+ year career in financial services. A disciple of Sandy Weil, Jim began his career in New York City at Shearson, Hammill & Co, and Shearson American Express. He also held leadership roles at Dean Witter Reynolds, Advest Corp., and as Managing Director of Investments Moors & Cabot, Jim appeared for over 20 years on ABC Channel 40 anchor news desk. "The Vinick Report" promoted financial literacy. Jim dedicated more than 60 years of service to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He served as Treasurer of the Hall, and member of the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors. In 2010, he was awarded the prestigious Chairman's Cup by close friend Jerry Colangelo for his lifelong contributions to the Hall. Until his passing, Jim took great pride in his work alongside John Doleva, President and CEO, and the rest of the team. Jim was a passionate supporter of the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, raising money and awareness in memory of his son Jeffrey and in honor of his daughter Beth. He commissioned a statue of Dr. Farber and "Jimmy" that now stands outside Dana-Farber. He was involved in the Jeffrey Vinick Memorial Golf Tournament for 40 years. Jim received the Bob Cheyne Lifetime Achievement Award. He befriended Red Sox legend Ted Williams and purchased the rights to Ted's life story. Jim shared his love of Ted and the Sox with family and friends. Jim was a Boston University alumnus, where both he and his wife Harriett were multi-sport student athletes. He was part of the building committee of the Boston University Questrom School of Management which opened in 1996. In 2000 Jim was honored as an Outstanding Alumni. In 2013, he was honored as a BusinessWest "Difference Maker" for his efforts throughout Western MA. He was predeceased by his wife Harriett (Thal) Vinick (1984), his son Jeffrey Marc Vinick (1982), and his brother Alan Vinick (2022). He leaves behind his daughter Beth Vinick of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren Brent Hayashi of Tucson, AZ and Darcy Hayashi of South Korea; his son Michael Vinick and wife Stacey Nath-Vinick of Suffield, CT; grandsons Max Vinick of New York, NY and Ty Vinick of Cambridge, MA. He also leaves his dear friend Margie Koft of Farmington, CT. Donations in Jim's memory can be made to The Jimmy Fund, BBHOF or any charitable organization. Funeral service will be held on June 16, 11:00am, at Ascher-Zimmerman Funeral Home, Springfield, MA, with burial at Temple Beth El Cemetery. Shiva will be observed at 74 Prynne Ridge Road, Longmeadow, MA, on the night of the burial and the following evening at 7:00pm.