Mr. James J. Mooney

Mr. James J. Mooney, 84, of Richmond Shores, passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at home. Born in Pittsfield on February 1, 1931 the son of Richard Sr. and Cecelia Johnson Mooney, he was a 1949 graduate of St. Joseph High School. Mr. Mooney attended the Berkshire Business School as well as earning additional education credits from North Adams State College and the University of Massachusetts. He was also a licensed social worker. Mr. Mooney had a 40 year career with the Boys' and Girls' Club of Pittsfield, the largest at the time in the Country and shepherded the Club through its greatest years of Membership growth and physical plant expansions. Beginning as Swimming Director in 1949, Jim served as Program Director, Camp Director, Assistant Superintendent and then Superintendent for 17 years. Jim was responsible for starting the Boys' Club Guidance Department, Alcohol and Work-It-Off Programs and influential in beginning the Big Brother Program at the Boys' Club. He was instrumental in increasing the membership to an all-time high of 5,104 in 1984. He implemented a Nursery and Day Care Program and After School Care Program at the Boys' Club. Jim received the Bronze Keystone with Four Silver Stars from the Boys' Club of America for 40 years of distinguished service. He was Chairman of the Boys' and Girls' Club Fund Drive which raised $2,200,000.00. Jim retired from the Club in 1989. At his retirement testimonial dinner honored by 500 guests, the Mayor of Pittsfield, Anne E. Wojtkowski proclaimed Jim Mooney Day and presented him the Key to the City of Pittsfield. The Camp Russell Swimming Pool and newly built Cabin (Mooney Hall) were named in his honor. Mr. Mooney then went to work at Tanglewood in Lenox. In 1990 Jim served as Audience Service Coordinator at Tanglewood and became Facilities Manager in 1991. He retired from Tanglewood in 1997. He was also proud to serve as Special Sheriff of Berkshire County from 1978 to 2011 and was Interim Manager of the Berkshire County Jail & House of Corrections before his good friend Carmen Massimiano took office. Jim was much beloved in Pittsfield, which he warmly regarded as both his home and extended family. Throughout his life, Jim strove for the benefit of children and families in Western Massachusetts. He served on many committees and held several directorships and affiliations with social service and financial organizations in Berkshire County. In return, the community publicly recognized his good works with numerous awards and accolades. Among his personal favorites was the recognition by the late Honorable Silvio o. Conte presented before the House of Representatives at the time of his retirement from the Boys' Club on June 27, 1989 and the dedication of the James J. Mooney Swimming Pool at Camp Russell. For three different terms he was the Director for Berkshire United Way, serving as Tri-Chair on one of its annual campaigns. He was a past President of the Eagle's Santa Toy Fund. Jim was a member of the Irish American Club of Berkshire County and the Pittsfield Irish Sister City Committee. He was named the Berkshire County Person of the Year by the Irish American Club of Berkshire County. Mr. Mooney is survived by a nephew, Dr. Richard F. Mooney III of Connecticut and a niece, Lisa Mooney Sherman of Virginia; two cousins, Howard Marshall (wife Denise) and Linda Lussier; close friend, Keith McClellan, Sr. (wife Tanya), several grand nieces and nephews and five godchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard F. Mooney, Jr. Funeral Notice: Funeral Services for Mr. James J. Mooney will be Friday, December 4, 2015 with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church celebrated by Msgr. Michael A. Shershanovich, pastor and concelebrated by the Rev. A. Peter Gregory, pastor of St. Charles Church. Burial will follow In St. Joseph Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mooney/Fahey Scholarship Fund, care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201, in his memory. Donations Cannot be made online, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mr. James J. Mooney

February 1, 1931 - November 24, 2015