James Arthur Bruffee

James Arthur "Jim" Bruffee, 76, passed away on May 9, 2026, at the Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on September 23, 1949, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, to Arthur L. and Barbara P. (Nuchten) Bruffee.

A member of the Greenfield High School Class of 1968, Jim continued his education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Food Service and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He built a successful career in the service industry, working in many facets of the field, including food service management, finance, and transportation. He retired as an Operations Manager with XNG Natural Gas Company.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jim proudly served his country in the Army National Guard and Reserves. Even in retirement and during his health struggles, he continued to pursue his love of technology, working as a Dell Computer Technician. His family affectionately described him as a "computer nerd," a reflection of both his skill and enthusiasm.

Jim will be remembered for the warmth he shared with everyone around him—his welcoming smile, firm handshakes, generous hugs, and deep love of animals. Above all, he took immense pride in his children and his family, who always held the most important place in his heart.

In 1998, Jim married Susan Carpenter, and together they made their home in Granby, Massachusetts, where they built a life filled with love and companionship.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan (Carpenter) Bruffee, his son, Joseph James Bruffee and his wife Jessica of Tennessee, his daughter, Julie May Baliga and her husband Nikhil of Manchester, Connecticut, his stepdaughter, Sarah Mae Carpenter of Northampton, his sister Katherine R. Maleno and her husband, Michael, of Greenfield, and his nieces, Nancy Kay Maleno and Victoria Ada Maleno, both of Greenfield.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and his brother, David E. Bruffee.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in South Hadley. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in South Hadley. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts.