James A. Witherell Sr.
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — James Alan Witherell Sr., 69, of 88 Nutmeg Lane died Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield after being stricken at work. Mr. Witherell was a bus driver for Dufour Inc.
Born in Pittsfield on Aug. 9, 1939, son of James Arthur Witherell and Ethel Davis Witherell Parrott, he attended schools in North Adams and graduated from Drury High School. He also attended Berkshire Community College, studying criminal justice.
He was an Army veteran.
Mr. Witherell was a lieutenant in the security department at the former General Electric Co., retiring in 1993. He first drove trucks for Spencer Mobile Home Co. on the Mohawk Trail and for Old Colony Trucking Co. in Lee after leaving the service.
He loved camping and was a member of the Good Sam Club. He was also a member of the North Adams Elks and was a longtime member of the Berkshire County Deputy Sheriffs Association. Mr. Witherell was an organ and tissue donor.
He and his wife, the former Ruth Scace, were married April 14, 1962, in Pownal, Vt.
Besides his wife, he leaves three sons, James A. Witherell Jr. of Pittsfield, Eugene Witherell of Williamstown and Kent Witherell of Tallasee, Ala.; a daughter, Kathryn Witherell of Pittsfield; three brothers, Robert Witherell of Adam, Richard Witherell of Dalton and David Witherell of Williamstown, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Another son, Keith Allyn Witherell, died in 2002.
FUNERAL NOTICE — The funeral for Mr. Witherell will be conducted Monday, Aug. 3, at 11 from Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, by the with Rev. Susan Stewart.
Calling hours will be Monday morning from 9 until the service at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested for the charity of the donor's choice through the funeral home, 521 West Main St., North Adams, MA 01247.