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 James Sylvester, 65
 September 22, 2019
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - James Matthew Sylvester passed unexpectedly at home on September 22, 2019.
He was born in North Adams, Mass., on October 1, 1953, to the late Theodore R. Sylvester II and Jacqueline Devine. He grew up in Williamstown with his brother, Timothy Sylvester, and his two sisters, Sharon Sylvester and Karen Fairs.
He attended St. Joe’s Catholic School in North Adams, Mass., studied for one year at McCann Technical School in North Adams, Mass., and graduated from Mt. Greylock Regional High School in Williamstown, Mass., in 1971.
When he was younger, Jim traveled and adventured often with his friends. In these years, he gathered the experiences and memories that molded him into the wise, articulate man that many knew and loved.
Jim was an extremely hardworking person. He had a remarkable work ethic and an honest attitude. He was respected and admired by many. In the early 1980's, he was a logger and talented stone mason until he became the caretaker for Mt. Hope Farm in Williamstown. He was a fixture of Mt. Hope Farm and will be dearly missed.
Jim lived life to the fullest and loved his family. He married his beloved wife, Betty (Nicklien) Sylvester in 1983. They had two daughters, Sarah Holland (Gregory) & Sadie Swicker (Tyler). He also leaves many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He loved being a farmer and took great pride in his work. He enjoyed raising his organic, grass-fed beef cattle. He also enjoyed the many horses he owned throughout his life. Other life pleasures of his included motorcycles, traveling, storytelling, good food, skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, making maple syrup, and most of all, spending time with his family. Jim was humble, honest, innovative, and laidback. He was a remarkable father and husband, and a best friend and hero to many.
"Don't stand there with your hands in your pockets when you can see there is work to be done." - Jim Sylvester
Funeral notice: A Celebration of Life will be held for James on September 29, 2019, at 2 p.m. at Bloom Meadows, 2422 Hancock Road, Williamstown, MA, 01267. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations are made to the Heiffer International Foundation.
| Betty and children, sisters and family…Jimmy was loved by so many because of his loving and caring heart. He will be sorely missed. I will always hold the memories of our visits with him close to my heart. Remember…this isn’t the end. We will all be together again someday🙏🏻❤️ Love you Jimmy…see you again. | | from: Carla Romero | on: 10-02-2019 |
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So sorry to lose someone like Soft so early in life! He was always so calm. He loved life. Now he'll be be cared for from above.
Take care. | | from: Dave Dunn | on: 09-28-2019 |
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| My condolences. Jimmy was a bright and kind man that was a fixture at Mt. Hope during my visits over the last 40 years. His love for his family and for the land and animals of Mt. Hope put a smile on his face whenever I saw him. Thinking of you all. | | from: Sue Mead | on: 09-28-2019 |
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So sorry to lose someone like Soft so early in life! He was always so calm. He loved life. Now he'll be be cared for from above.
Take care. | | from: Dave Dunn | on: 09-28-2019 |
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Betty and family we are so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing, our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
The Begiebing’s. | | from: Debbie Begiebing | on: 09-27-2019 |
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Dear Betty and Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Jimmy's (Softs) passing. Our family wishes you peace at this time.
Haley's | | from: Robin Keller | on: 09-27-2019 |
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Sharon and family, So sorry for your loss.May you find signs of him everywhere in the greatest moments of nature. Peace.
| | from: Maureen Clark | on: 09-26-2019 |
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I was so sorry to hear this. Karen I have some great memories being at your house and your "older brother" being around. I also had contact with him later in life through my work and he never changed he was still a great guy. I am so sorry for your loss.
Lynn | | from: Lynn Vincent Candilore | on: 09-26-2019 |
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| My sincere condolences to Jimmy's friends and family. He was a wonderful man. I will surely miss him. | | from: Carl Villanueva | on: 09-25-2019 |
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| It has been a privilege to know Jim for the past 35 years. A kind and thoughtful person with much wisdom of the world which he generously shared with us. The Werbel Family, Williamstown | | from: The Werbel Family | on: 09-25-2019 |
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Jim's passing is a heartbreaking loss 💔 Our love and condolences go out to all of his family. 41 years ago "Soft" was our "matchmaker" and we've always felt a strong love for his roll in bringing us together
Deb and "Bone" | | from: Stephen and Deb Walsh | on: 09-25-2019 |
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| Dear Tim and Family, so sorry to hear about James' passing. Blessing, prayers, and sympathy. the Sylvester family, are always in my thoughts of Coach Sylvester and our days in Williamstown. So many pleasant memories. Patrick Gray, and Family. God Bless. R.I. P. Jim. | | from: Patrick Gray & family | on: 09-25-2019 |
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| Peter Atcheson and family | | from: James Sylvester. | on: 09-25-2019 |
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| Soft was one of the most laid-back people I ever met. I haven't seen him in years but thought of him often. I will always think of him living in his teepee with "Geronimo". Rest your soul my friend! | | from: James Sylvester | on: 09-25-2019 |
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| RIP Soft. Such a short life for a great man. You will be missed by all. | | from: Kathy Reynolds | on: 09-25-2019 |
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| We are so deeply sorry for your loss. An amazing man gone too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and may your memories help you through this time. | | from: Carol & Jack Filiault | on: 09-25-2019 |
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| Our hearts are broken at the loss of our old friend. There are so many stories of the “old” days that bring a smile. May you remember them all and smile through the tears. Jim (Soft) will be missed. | | from: Maureen Moore | on: 09-24-2019 |
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Betty, Sadie & Sarah,
The Burnham Family sends our deepest sympathies. He and Steve are together, riding into the sunset, I just know it. He was a wonderful man as you stated, kind, fun loving. Steve often told stories too of the good ole' days growing up with "Soft". We'll be there to support you on Sunday.
Kim, Brandon & MacKenzie | | from: | on: 09-24-2019 |
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