James George Duffy

"Wilbraham-A light was extinguished in the lives of the Duffy family of Wilbraham on August 29, 2016 when their patriarch, James G. Duffy, Ph.D., was released from this earth and the illness that he had battled valiantly for many years. Jim departed this life at home, peacefully, surrounded by those he loved. Certainly he ascends to the place in heaven he so richly deserves. A man of honor and character, Jim reveled in his role as husband, father, grandfather, coach, mentor, teacher and friend. Born in the Bronx, NY to John Patrick and Ethel Canaper Duffy on November 20, 1935, Jim was raised to respect his Irish-American heritage, Roman Catholic faith and hometown team, remaining a steadfast Yankee fan even after moving deep into 'Red Sox Nation'. Faith shaped Jim's early life, culminating in his calling to the Order of Irish Christian Brothers at the age of 17. In the context of this religious setting, Jim pursued higher education and formulated a life mission of service to others. He received his BA degree from Iona College in New Rochelle, NY and Masters Degrees from St. John's University and the University of Detroit. He was awarded his doctorate degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Jim became a skilled teacher and mentor, often working with disenfranchised and vulnerable communities in the United States, Puerto Rico and Montreal. His work was not limited to the classroom, but extended to sports, where coaching basketball and football offered an opportunity to guide the lives of at-risk youth. To this day, Jim receives letters from former students attesting to the transformative effect he had. Although Jim's tenure with the Irish Christian Brothers did end, his commitment to changing lives never did. He began his career in mental health services, first in New York State and later in Massachusetts, eventually assuming the role of Western Massachusetts Area Director of Mental Health Services. In this capacity, Jim played an integral role in the closing of Northampton State Hospital while developing a community-based model of care that offered dignity, respect, opportunity and support to those struggling with debilitating mental illness. The impact of this approach led to measurable positive change in the quality of life for many. A dynamic and gifted speaker, Dr. Duffy lectured on mental health issues and systems of care throughout the United States as well as in Russia and Hungary. Jim retired from the Department of Mental Health in 2005. His work, however, did not end, rather coming full-circle in a return to the classroom. For the last few years of his professional life, Jim taught in the Psychology Department at Springfield College, Springfield, MA, shaping the minds and hearts of yet another generation. Despite his myriad academic and professional successes, Jim considered his family to be his greatest achievement. Married for 42 years, Jim leaves the love of his life, Kendra Powles Duffy, devoted sons Kenneth C. Duffy of Ludlow and Keith N. and daughter-in-law Sarah Finale Duffy of Sudbury, MA, grandsons Quinn J. and Rhys K. Duffy, his mother-in-law Edith Powles, sister-in-law Karen Wolf (Peter), sister Joanna Crampton (James) and nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 1st from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Beers and Story Palmer Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday at St. Cecilia's Church at 10:00 a.m. Friends and family are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be in New York. To honor Jim's memory, please make donations to Loaves and Fishes, PO Box 5127, 287 State St, Springfield, MA 01101. "