James M. O'Toole Sr.

James Michael “Jim” O’Toole, 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 22 in Springfield, surrounded by his family, after a brief illness. Jim was born on Inishturk Island in County Mayo, Ireland, on May 7, 1935 to Michael John and Kate O’Toole. He immigrated to the Springfield area in 1956, and was a member of the Massachusetts Army National Guard from 1957-1965. He eventually met and married the love of his life, “Peggy”, in 1960, before they settled into their family home in West Springfield in 1969. He began work at Southworth Paper Company in 1961, retiring 35 years later as one of their plant managers. After retirement, he and Peggy enjoyed spending their winters in Naples, Florida, where he participated in multiple golf and bowling leagues. Jim was a gifted athlete. In his younger years he was an amateur boxer and played Gaelic football. In his senior years, he demonstrated amazing stamina, finishing 56 marathons. At the age of 60 he finished the Boston Marathon in under three hours. At the age of 61, Jim won a Gold Medal at the National Senior Olympics. He also coached the next generations of athletes in baseball and hockey, and was a lifetime member and former President of the John Boyle O’Reilly Club. Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Margaret “Peggy” (Griffin) O’Toole, and his parents Michael John and Kate O’Toole. He is survived by his sons and their spouses, James and Ann O’Toole of E. Longmeadow, Michael and Tracy O’Toole of Suffield, CT, and Patrick and Joanne O’Toole of W. Springfield; along with grandchildren Ryan, James, Jillian, Michael, Delaney, Marina, Patrick and Daniel O’Toole. He is predeceased by his brother Paddy, and sisters Becey and Alice. He leaves behind siblings, Theresa, Sheila, Ann, Austin, Kathleen, Josephine, and Mikey. There will be a wake on Sunday from 4-7 pm at TOOMEY-O’BRIEN Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield St., West Springfield and a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 10 am at St. Thomas Church in West Springfield, followed by burial at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Springfield. As an alternative to flowers, consider a donation in Jim’s name to the John Boyle O’Reilly Club, 33 Progress Ave, Springfield, MA 01104.