James “Jim” Grennon Gorman, age 90, passed away on August 23, 2017, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on January 15, 1927 in New Haven, Connecticut. He was the only child of the late James Joseph and Margaret Emily (Reynolds) Gorman. Encouraged to swim by his parents, James became an avid swimmer who served as a lifeguard at Hammonasset Beach and as captain of his high school swim team at Hamden High School in Connecticut. In January 1945, James enlisted in the United States Navy where he served for 18 months at the end of World War II. In the Navy, he taught many of his fellow sailors how to swim until he was honorably discharged. James attended The University of Connecticut (UCONN) and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government and History. He married the late Florence Signe Oliver on January 31, 1953, whom he had met working in the cafeteria at UCONN in 1950. James later became a social worker and settled his family in Westfield, Massachusetts. In 2005, James moved with his wife Florence to The Villages, Florida where he continued his membership with the American Legion. James always made sure his kitchen was stocked with multiple boxes of Wheaties and many cartons of milk and high pulp orange juice to start his day off right. James enjoyed swimming, playing tennis, playing pickle ball, and running in road races and half marathons. In The Villages he competed in swim meets and won many medals. In fact, he was swimming up until his 90th birthday. He also loved sailing. A self-taught sailor, James would sail across the shores of Connecticut and Rhode Island in his 37-foot sailboat from 1985 until 2005.

James was also both political and creative. He was a passionate Republican who often wrote political editorials for several local newspapers. During his 80’s, James discovered his talent for painting beautiful watercolor images of natural scenery. James is survived by five of his children: James and his wife Jennifer, Pamela and her husband Richard, Jeanne, Paul, and Thomas. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Joseph, Lindsey, Marissa, Jennifer, Daniel James, Andrea, Daniel Charles; and three great-grandchildren: Banyah, Stryder, and Ava. He is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Florence, and their son Raymond. The Wake will be held on Sunday, August 27, 2017 from 1:30pm to 4:00pm at Firtion Adams Funeral Home at 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA. The Funeral Processional Line will gather on Monday, August 28, 2017 at 8:30am at Firtion Adams Funeral Home, and the Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30am on the same day at St. Peter & St. Casimir Parish on 22 State Street, Westfield, MA. The Burial will follow at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA. Donations on behalf of James Grennon Gorman can be made to the following organizations: American Kidney Fund, The Skin Cancer Foundation, USA Swimming Foundation, The American Legion, Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care.

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