James Michael Conroy was born on July 24, 1951, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, a son of Madeline (Sheehan) and Edward Conroy. He graduated from Weymouth South High School in 1971 and from Elms College with a bachelors in Religious Studies then earned a Masters Degree in Education from Elms College. He was united in marriage to Mary R (Stallmann) Conroy June 19, 1982, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in West Springfield. Jim practiced martial arts and at one time was the youngest Judo black belt in New England. He retired from competition at the National level but taught youth the sport at the Westfield Boys and Girls Club. Jim was a devoted Catholic who was ordained a Deacon in 2005. He served in the parishes of Holy Name, Chicopee, Immaculate Conception, West Springfield, St. Thomas the Apostle, West Springfield and Westfield State University charming all with his great smile and encyclopedic knowledge of all things Catholic. He was the Director of Marriage and Family Life for the Diocese of Springfield and also served as a Chaplain at Baystate Medical Center, New England Hospice and several area nursing homes. In addition he served as chaplain for the West Springfield Knights of Columbus and West Springfield Veterans Council. Those left to honor Jim's memory are his wife, Mary, sons Kevin and Brian Conroy and his wife Leslie, grandchildren Vera and Dylan Conroy, sister Susan Bartecchi 12 nephews and nieces well as many very good friends. Jim’s funeral mass will be Friday June 12, 2026, 10AM at St Thomas Church 47 Pine St West Springfield with burial to follow in St Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday 4-6 PM at Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home 1043 Westfield St West Springfield.