James “Jim” Mell passed away on August 28 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield after a brief and sudden illness. He was 69 years old.

Born in Springfield on January 21, 1957, he was the second of three children born to the late Joseph and Frances (Kukulka) Mell.

A lifelong resident of Wilbraham and communicant of St. Cecilia’s, Jim graduated from Cathedral High School and went on to earn an Associate’s Degree from Springfield Technical Community College. Much of his work career after STCC was with Valley Opportunity Council of Holyoke as part of the fuel assistance program, ensuring those who needed it the most received critical support services. He retired four years ago.

Jim loved Cape Cod and often visited the beaches in Chatham. His life’s passions were family, solar energy, and astronomy. He was fascinated by solar and wind power systems. He had a love for the night sky and was a member of the Springfield STARS Club for decades. Often traveling the country for eclipse sightings, he was able to capture amazing pictures through his talent for photography.

He will be dearly missed by his sister Judith Falzone and her husband Joseph, and his brother Joseph, Jr. and his wife Lori all of Wilbraham; nieces and nephews Kristen Harvey and her husband Scott of Wilbraham, Richard Falzone and his wife Kristi of Lakeville, William Falzone and his wife Stefanie of Wilbraham, David Mell of Northampton, and Emily Mell of Wilbraham. Jim was a devoted great-uncle to Ryan Mann & Caroline Harvey, Brianna & Tyler Falzone, and Grace & Elise Falzone.

The family wishes to thank the Baystate care team at the 4th floor MICU for their compassionate care.

Calling Hours will be 9-10:30 on Tuesday September 8th at WILBRAHAM FUNERAL HOME, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am at St. Cecilia Church, Main Street in Wilbraham. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Jim’s name to STARS Club c/o Jack Megas, 311 Surrey Road, Springfield, MA 01108.