James C. Atwater

WESTFIELD – James C. Atwater, 90, died Monday, January 2, 2012 at the Governor’s Center in Westfield, MA. Born in Westfield to Collins and Helen (Shipley) Atwater, Jim was a long-time resident of West Springfield, MA, Coconut Creek, FL and Wilbraham, MA before moving back to Westfield two years ago. He was a retired regional sales representative of the Brine Manufacturing Company, selling sporting goods to schools, colleges, universities and professional organizations. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, Jim served in the 69th Armored Infantry Battalion attached to the 3rd Armored Division under the command of General George S. Patton. His greatest joy was being in the company of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jim loved to play golf, travel and go to the seashore looking at boats and really enjoyed his years of retirement in Florida. He was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and the Montreal Canadians and loved his Patriots. He will be remembered most, by those who knew and loved him, for his sense of humor. Jim was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Virginia (Ginny), who died in January 2011, a son, Jeffrey Allen Atwater and a sister, Elizabeth Noble who passed away in 2009. He leaves two sons, James D. Atwater and his wife, Theresa of Westfield and Stephen J. Atwater and his wife, Chris of CA; a daughter, Pamela Sue Atwater also of CA; a brother, Shipley Atwater of Simsbury, CT; a brother in law, Jerry Noble of Montgomery, MA; two grandchildren, Scott Atwater and his wife, Kristi of Naperville, IL and Daniel Atwater and his wife, Ellie of West Springfield MA; six great grandchildren, Caiden, Cal Robert, Ainsley, Grace, Marlie Rae and Brynn Atwater and several nieces and nephews. Private funeral services will be held by the family. The family extends special thanks for the care and compassion shown to Jim and his family by the staff of The Governor’s Center and the Westfield Arbors. Arrangements have been entrusted to New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA. To sign the online register please visit www.nefcc.net .