James Edward Dowling

Belchertown -James Edward Dowling, 88, passed away March 12, 2025, at Baystate Medical Center. He was born on January 7, 1937, in Bridgeport, CT son of the late Mary Ann and James J. Dowling.  He attended local schools and college in Bridgeport. Jim was in the Navy and Army Reserves for 25 years.  He entered the Supermarket Industry in 1958 and worked in many management capacities ending with the Atlantic and Pacific Co. in 2007.He had two daughters from his first marriage, Kathleen Dowling of Naugatuck, Ct and Patricia Ledowity of Litchfield, CT.  James married Elizabeth A. Dewey of Williamsburg, MA. After moving to Belchertown Jim enjoyed volunteering at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home and the Belchertown Senior Center.  He was also the Director at Pine Valley Plantation for many years.   Besides his wife and two daughters Jim is survived by 6 stepchildren, Dina Benson and husband Christopher, Christine McCoy, Donald Fournier and wife Stephanie, David Fournier, Penny Whitlock and husband Michael and Denise Bennett.  He also leaves 16 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00pm-5:00pm on Sun., Mar. 30, 2025, at the Manor at Pine Valley Plantation in Belchertown.  Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Belchertown Senior Center.