Obituary for James Matthew Sylvester
James Matthew Sylvester passed unexpectedly at home, on September 22nd, 2019. He was born in North Adams, MA on October 1st, 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, MA, studied for one year at McCann Technical School in North Adams, MA, and graduated from Mt. Greylock Regional High School in Williamstown, MA 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
A Celebration of Life will be held for James on September 29th, 2019 at 2pm at Bloom Meadows, 2422 Hancock Road, Williamstown, MA, 01267. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations are made to the Heiffer International Foundation.
He attended St. Joe’s Catholic School in North Adams, MA, studied for one year at McCann Technical School in North Adams, MA, and graduated from Mt. Greylock Regional High School in Williamstown, MA 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
A Celebration of Life will be held for James on September 29th, 2019 at 2pm at Bloom Meadows, 2422 Hancock Road, Williamstown, MA, 01267. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations are made to the Heiffer International Foundation.