James R. Dachos

"South Hadley - James R. Dachos, 87, of Normandy Rd., died on December 18, 2014 in Loomis House surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 18, 1927 in Nashua , NH, son of Sam and Mildred (Burnham) Dachos. He has lived most of his life in South Hadley and sang in the choir at S. Hadley Falls Congregational Church and the South Hadley Chorale. Jim was the owner of General Cleaners in Holyoke for 32 years. He was a board member of the Northeast Fabric Care Association and past President of Western Mass. Dry Cleaners Association and Ahepa Club, an original member of the Holyoke Kiwanis Club and was on the Board of Directors at Holyoke Hospital. Jim was an avid sailor and for twenty years he was a recruiter for the Coast Guard Academy and served on the Coast Guard Auxillary. Jim was also very active in the Salvation Army. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lucille (Vaillancourt) Dachos of South Hadley, three children, James R. Dachos and wife Elizabeth of Byfield, MA, Timothy J. Dachos and wife MaryEllen of Northampton and Deborah Dachos of S. Deerfield and partner Jeffrey Hooper, a sister Elaine Ethier of Nashua, NH and niece, Karen Fenn of Villa Park, CA. Lovingly referred to as Pops, he leaves seven grandchildren, James, Kyleigh, Travers, Jason and his wife Anne, Timothy, Alexandra and Kevin, as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Melba Congelton, Lucielle Gelpi, Joan Aguirre and John Dachos. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 3:00-6:00 pm. at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Salvation Army, 271 Appleton St., Holyoke, MA 01040. "