JAMES E DENNING

SPRINGFIELD - James E. Denning, 91, passed away on July 12, 2026, just 12 days before his 92nd birthday. Jim was born in Palmer, MA, on July 24, 1934 and was the son of the late Charles and Emma (Bibeau) Denning. He was a graduate of Technical High School in Springfield. As a teenager, he worked in local tobacco fields; preferring a rainy day at the movies over the hot, sunny days working in the fields. He spent the better part of his work life as a warehouse supervisor for Mass Wholesale Drug Company. In his retirement, he worked as a PCA for a local U.S. Veteran. Music was a very important part of Jim’s life that started while he was in the high school band. He spent an extra year at Tech as a post-graduate student under the direction of the band leader. Following high school he began his singing career, studying under voice teacher Margaret Hill Sarno. He sang at many local churches, most notably the First Church of Christ in Suffield, CT for more than 50 years. Jim also performed with the Springfield Symphony Chorus, a Renaissance group, “The Madrigalians,” and a quartet, “The Four Tenors.” Jim was a longtime member of the Fort Singers serenading diners with Christmas carols at The Student Prince restaurant throughout the holiday season. He also performed in many local plays and musicals. One of Jim’s favorite past times was bird watching and spending time in nature. In his younger years, he was a member of the Allen Bird Club of Springfield, MA. His love of birdwatching continued throughout his life and was something that he passed on and shared with his daughters. Jim also enjoyed camping and spent many family vacations traveling to state parks and campgrounds throughout the East coast of the U.S. He had a special affinity for the beauty witnessed from the peak of Mount Greylock; and had fond memories of time spent there helping to clear the local leg of the Appalachian Trail. In his later years, he enjoyed some sightseeing trips to Denning, NY, Mount Monadnock in Jaffery, NH, and Mount Mansfield in Stowe, VT. One of Jim’s favorite ways to spend his free time was solving crossword puzzles, playing Words with Friends, shopping on Amazon or sitting out on the deck with the family pup, Brody. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Emma (Bibeau) Denning, his brother, Robert Denning, his former wife, Joan (Hayden) Denning and his son-in-law, Bob Simoneau. He will be deeply missed by his daughters, Laura Simoneau (David) of Springfield, MA and Amy Denning of Feeding Hills, MA, as well as his grandchildren; Carly Simoneau, Morgan Lindell (Em), Kolby Lindell and Nathan Lindell (Maddy). In addition, he leaves behind his brothers-in-law Allen and Jack Hayden, as well as his nieces Denise Brown and Lisa Denning and nephews Paul, Bob and John Denning.

A memorial service is planned for October 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM at First Church of Christ, Suffield, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Church of Christ, 81 High Street, Suffield, CT or Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Adoption Center, 627 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA.  End-of-life arrangements entrusted to Westfield Funeral Home, 4 Princeton St., Westfield, MA 01085. To express condolences to the family, visit www.westfieldfuneralhome. com

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