James Leo St. Amand

Retired Administrative Judge and civil servant James Leo St. Amand was born on April 23, 1944, in Springfield, Massachusetts. On July 25, 2026, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family before reuniting with his parents, Leo and Bernice.

Jim will be deeply missed by his devoted wife, Victoria Ursula Gumula (married 60 years this November); his sister, Kathy Tassinari; his daughter, Andrea Mastalerz (Jay Joseph); his sons, Eric (Melissa Marie) and Jonathan (Robin); his sister-in-law, Paula Cieplinski; his brother-in-law Thaddeus Gumula.

Memories of “Pops” will not be forgotten by his grandchildren, the pride and joy in his life, Tyler James, Dr. Paige Victoria Mastalerz (Connor), Esq. Olivia Ann St. Amand (Brendan), Madelyn Rose, and Chase James; and his newly born great-granddaughter, Nora St. Amand Feehery; as well as, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was also predeceased by his cousin, Paul Russo; his brothers-in-law, Stephen Cieplinski and Don Tassinari; and many other cherished relatives and lifelong friends.

Jim St. Amand was the last of his kind.

A three-sport letterman and a proud graduate of Palmer High School in 1962, Jimmy went on to Assumption College, where he played baseball and hockey. Jim was inducted into the Palmer High School Hall of Fame in 2003.

He loved his family deeply, and he held a lifelong devotion to the town of Palmer, Massachusetts. He loved what Palmer provided to him and his family, and he devoted much of his life to serving the community in return. You could take Jim out of Palmer, but you could never take Palmer out of Jim.

His devotion to the town involved more action than words. For five decades, he gave his time and leadership to the people of Palmer through numerous elected positions and volunteer organizations. He served on the Palmer School Committee, on the Palmer Board of Selectmen, and for 47 years on the Prudential Committee for Palmer Fire District #1. He coached youth baseball and basketball, guided generations of young athletes as an American Legion baseball coach, served as a Trustee of Wing Memorial Hospital for 22 years, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. For more than 55 years, he led the foundation and presentation of the Leonard J. Bailey Award, recognizing the Palmer High School football player who best exemplified team spirit and leadership.

Appointed in 1977 by Governor Michael Dukakis, he retired in 2003 as an Administrative Judge for the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents, ending a highly distinguished career marked by integrity and fairness. In his retirement, he also served in the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department.

Jim was a lifelong Democrat who participated in numerous local, state, and national campaigns and conventions.

He was a fan of Boston sports, especially the Red Sox and Patriots. In addition, an unwavering supporter of Palmer High School athletics. Visiting the Mohegan Sun was a favorite pastime for him and Ursula.

His legacy endures through his family, the young people he mentored and coached, the institutions he strengthened, and the community he served with unwavering loyalty for more than half a century.

God bless you, Dad and Pops. You were a great, genuine guy who elevated everyone around you.

Special thanks to the Palmer Fire Department and the Baystate Hospice Group that helped during the final mile of his life. The family will never forget Paula, Aubrey, Donna, and Hope.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Amand Family Scholarship may be sent to 65 Buckland Street, Palmer, Massachusetts, 01069.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026 from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home. On Saturday, August 1st a Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am at St. Thomas Church. Please meet directly at the church. Burial will follow at St. Thomas Cemetery.