James W. Barrett

James W. Barrett, 58, passed away on July 23, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Springfield, MA on October 16, 1962, he was the son of Dorothy (Gaj) Barrett and the late John Barrett.

From 1980 – 1985, James proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps where he was awarded the Rifle Expert Badge (3rd Award), Certificate of Achievement, Meritorious Mast, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Unit Commendation and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 1 Star.

While attending Western New England College, he received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree and then received his Master of Taxation Degree from Florida International College. James held a License in Connecticut, Florida and Massachusetts.

James was employed for KPMG from 1987 – 2001. In 2002, he began working for Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. and in 2004 he was elected to Partnership. He served as managing partner from 2009 until his retirement in 2021.

He was also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, MA Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Legion and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.

In his spare time, Jim loved being at his beach house in Rhode Island. He enjoyed going out on his boat and fishing near Block Island, playing his guitar to a variety of Tom Petty songs and spending time at the beach with his wife Terri, extended family and friends.  He also loved traveling with his YPO Group, who were like brothers to him.  They traveled to places like Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, Africa, and Mexico, just to name a few.

To cherish his memory, James leaves his wife Terri (Shaw) Barrett of East Longmeadow;  his step son and daughter in law Kyle and Fernanda Shaw of Malden; his mother Dorothy Barrett of Wilbraham; his brother Shawn Barrett and his companion Heather Moreau of Springfield; his sister Florence Barrett of Agawam, his niece Angela Barrett and nephew John Barrett. He also cherished his extended family Janet Austin, John Slotter, Todd and Debra Gish, Jennifer, James and Carter Nicholas.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Philip Glynn, his nurses Kelly O’Brien, Marisa Barone-Fenn and all the staff at Sister Caritas Cancer Center for their very compassionate care of James.  We will be forever grateful.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Sunday, August 1, 2021 from 2-6 PM at Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 2, 2021 beginning with a period of gathering from 9 – 10 AM at the funeral home. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM at St. Michael’s Parish, Maple Street, East Longmeadow and burial with military honors will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Montgomery Street, Chicopee.

Memorial contributions in James’ memory may be made to Semper Fi & America’s Fund  825 College Blvd, Suite 102 PMB 609 Oceanside, CA 92057 or Sister Caritas Cancer Center 271 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.