James L. Bishop

Belchertown- James L. Bishop, 84, passed away on Saturday May 11, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. Jim was born in Middletown CT in 1939, the son of James and Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) Bishop. He was educated at Suffield Academy in CT, Colby College in Maine and was a 1959 graduate of Babson Institute in Wellesley, MA. He worked for many different companies as a Purchasing Manager. First for Ford Motor Company in OH, then US Envelope in Worcester, Columbia Bicycle in Chicopee, and Leybold Heraeus in Enfield, CT. He retired from Rathbone Precision Metals in Palmer, MA in 2006. For 64 years he was the husband of Susan (Welch) Bishop. He was the father of three sons, David and Melissa of Linwood NJ, Tim and Karen of Rutland MA, and Brian and Maggie of Madison WI, and grandfather of nine grandchildren; Hannah, Max and Sam of Linwood NJ, Thomas (wife Emily), Sarah and Tyler of Rutland MA, and Henry, Jack and Liam of Madison WI. He enjoyed his spare time playing golf with Susan and friends at Country Club of Wilbraham, Hickory Ridge Country Club and Mill Valley. He enjoyed all the activities and sports of his local grandchildren and especially enjoyed being able to see his granddaughter play at Mount Holyoke College, never missing a home game. He was an active gardener and loved to have his homes look put together and pristine. He was a proud participant in the Framingham Heart Study. He is survived by his brother–in-law David Welch, brothers John and William Bishop, and his sister Helen Dorsey. Jim was predeceased by his brother-in- law Roger Welch, and brother Jeff Bishop. All services and remembrances will be private, and the family wishes that you take a moment and remember him with a smile. In lieu of flowers donations in Jim's name can be made to Suffield Academy, 185 North Main Street, Suffield Ct. 06078, or to a charity of one's choice. We would like to thank the associations that helped during his final days, The Hospice of Central and Western Mass and Homecare of Belchertown.