James Joseph Plante Sr.

James Joseph “Jim” Plante Sr., 85, passed away after a short battle with illness on July 7, 2025. He was born in Springfield on October 11, 1939, to Leopold and Nora (Cruickshank) Plante. Jim was an avid Boston sports fan and a family man. He loved hockey and baseball and would spend long hours watching his favorite teams—especially the ones his children and grandchildren played on. He lived for Sundays when his family would gather for food, sports, and time in the pool. He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Eileen (Amato) Plante, whom he loved unconditionally. He is also survived by his children: Christine Hager and her husband James, Cheryl Cudnik and her husband Ron, and James Jr. and his wife Barbara. He cherished his grandchildren: Kait and her wife Ali, Ryan and his wife Karin, Peter and his wife Molly, James “Doc,” Brittney, Tyler, and Jessica and her partner Merric. He had five great-grandchildren: Jordan, Ciera, Charlotte, Nora, and Lincoln. He also leaves behind his brother Richard Plante and his wife RheEtta, and his sister Sheila Trepanier and her husband George. He was predeceased by his beloved brother, David Plante. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held Monday, July 21, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Cecilia Church, 42 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA. New England Funeral & Cremation Center, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit Jim’s memorial page at www.nefcc.net for expressions of sympathy.