James F. Foard

James F. Foard, 80, of West Palm Beach, FL, formerly of East Longmeadow, MA, went down swinging on Friday April 19, 2024 after a long illness and a life well lived.
Born in Queens, NY on November 25, 1943, Jim was the son of the late MacDonough and Genevieve Foard. He attended PS 102 & PS 73 in Queens before his parents moved the family to Whippany, NJ where he graduated from Hanover Park High School. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after high school and was stationed at Westover AFB in Chicopee, MA where he met the love of his life, Patricia Farland. Jim and Patty married in 1966 and enjoyed 56 years together before Patty’s passing in 2022.
After completing his service to his country, Jim began his career in the insurance industry with USF&G in Syracuse, NY. Shortly after welcoming their first child, Jim Jr., into the world, an opportunity with the Andover Insurance Companies brought Jim & Pat closer to Pat’s family back home in western MA and would set their course for the next 40+ years. They built their homestead in East Longmeadow and welcomed their second child, Deb, a few years later. Home life was filled with backyard pool parties, family trips, sporting events, lots of golf and lots of dinners at the Monte Carlo. Jim enjoyed a legendary and lengthy career with Andover until his retirement in 2011. He created lifelong relationships with clients along the way, many of whom became the closest of family friends.
In retirement, Jim & Patty moved south to FL, first to Singer Island and later to Ironhorse Country Club in West Palm Beach. Jim’s love for golf and post-round festivities had begun several years earlier at Hampden Country Club and Longmeadow Country Club. He carded a hole-in-one in FL and was proud to have once qualified for Championship Division with his partner ‘Juice’ at the Longmeadow CC 4-ball. His Andover golf outings at HCC and LCC and his Colony Club Christmas parties live on in western MA insurance lore.
Jim’s heart was just as big as his personality. In his prime, he filled a room with his presence – his smile, laugh, voice and his sheer size. He loved people unconditionally, and he wasn’t afraid to say it or show it. He was a professional hugger in all settings, appropriate or not. He gave firm handshakes, looked you in the eye and listened intently to what you had to say. He was as old-school as it gets and thumbed his nose at political correctness. He was a man of strong faith. He did not like rules nor being told what to do. He was patriotic and very concerned for the future of our country. He was very trusting of people, sometimes to a fault. He loved food and was easily enticed to place an order for whatever tasty morsel that popped up on his TV, computer or in the newspaper. He loved animals, especially dogs and horses. Horse racing and blackjack were his favorite games of chance, and he indulged in taking a few small chances almost daily. He loved a good time and knew how to get one started. Family and friends were always what mattered most to Jim – he loved you all.
Jim will be missed by his son Jim Foard, Jr. and wife Michelle of Longmeadow MA, his daughter Deb Makuch and her husband Craig of Enfield CT, his beloved grandchildren Jimmy, Madeleine & Olivia, brother Dennis Foard and wife Brenda of FL, brother-in-law Msgr. George Farland of Springfield MA, along with many nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members, countless friends and his dog Benji who stayed by his side until the very end. Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife Patty, his parents Mac & Genevieve, his dear sister Jean Spott, brother-in-law Bob Spott and his father and mother-in-law Albert & Velma Farland whom he loved immensely. Jim also had a special relationship with his Aunt Tilly, a kindred spirit, until her passing. Jim’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to all the physicians, nurses and aides who provided exceptional care for him over the past several years. Special thanks to Dr. Phil Glynn, JM, Beacon Hospice and caregivers Nancy, Liz, Chozen, Wynter, Jenna, Lisa, Josie, Vicki, Vanessa, Kate, Mary Kate, Robert and John. All services will be on Friday, April 26th beginning with calling hours from 8am-10am at Forastiere-Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow, MA followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11am at Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA. Burial will be at a later date and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be designated to his grandson’s favorite organization Berkshire Hills Music Academy, 48 Woodbridge St. South Hadley, MA 01075 (https://www.berkshirehills.org/ ) or to Jim’s favorite house of worship, Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut St. Springfield, MA 01104. For online condolences please visit www.forastiere.com.