James H. Strickland

James H Strickland, Kansas City, MO, passed away October 27, 2022 in Westfield, MA at the age of 84. He was predeceased by his parents, Larry Strickland and Edna Hudon, a sister, Linda Rulevich and his youngest son, Randy, who died in 2008. His oldest brother, Donald, of Plainville, passed away recently after him. He greatly missed his wife of 47 years, Marjorie who died in September 2021.
Jim grew up in West Hartford and graduated in 1956 from William H. Hall High School. He was a member of the Connecticut Air National Guard stationed at Bradley Airport in Windsor Locks for 12 years. He started working for Combustion Engineering during that time, married Elaine Peters and had two children, Jimmy and Randy. After a divorce, Jim married Marjorie Miller of Southwick, MA. From there, the two moved around the country where ever his company sent him. Their first home together was in Moultrie, GA followed by Riverdale, IL and on to Monongahela, PA. When his company offered him a job in Florida, they lived first in Fort Myers and then Eustis. During that time, Jim started working for Sprint and was sent to Kansas City, MO where he eventually retired. Over all the years, he and Marjorie kept numerous animals, working with shelters, taking in foster dogs. They also had their own special pets, Jim’s last being a standard poodle named Callie. She, along with Marjorie’s two dogs made travel difficult so they purchased a large van where all three dogs could be with them. In this van, they crossed the country many times, going from Missouri to Massachusetts, where they bought a second home. Retired and driving his van with Marjorie and the dogs was some of his happiest times.
Upon the death of his wife, and his dog Callie, Marjorie’s dog, Lily, became his constant companion. In August 2022, he finely returned home to New England. Always smiling and forever cheerful, it was a blessing  for him to be with his family again, even for the short time it was.
He leaves his brother Donald’s wife, Dot of Plainville, his brother Bob and his wife Millie of West Hartford, CT and many nieces and nephews. A grandson, Madison and his wife Dixel and a great-grandson, Valentin, all of Nicaragua.  Two stepdaughters and their children being Jennifer Raymond and her son, James Raymond and Amy Hartley and her daughter, Sarah Brooks. Sarah and her husband, Rick  gave Jim his first great-granddaughter, Lydia who Jim adored. Sadly, he did not meet his last great-grandson, Steven, born after he passed.
A private burial will be held at Cider Brook Cemetery in Avon, CT at the convenience of the family.
New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit James’ memorial page at www.nefcc.net for expressions of sympathy.

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