James Argir, age 79 of Natick, passed away peacefully at Metrowest Medical Center on Thursday December 8, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 8, 1937 to Charles (Koci) and Katherine (Soter) Argir in Natick, Massachusetts. Jim was the devoted father of James A. Argir and his wife Michele of Holliston and Michael A. Argir and his wife Terry of Natick; and the cherished grandfather,“Grampi”, of Corey J., Brianna R., Garrett M., Averie M., and Chase M. Argir. Jim was also the brother of Thomas Argir and his wife Arlene of Framingham; and Linda Lloyd and husband Thomas of Natick. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and an aunt.
Jim was a proud graduate of Natick High School Class of 1956 where he played Baseball and Basketball. He received several awards for his active participation in the Natick High School community. He was awarded the NHS Wall of Achievement and was inducted into the NHS Athletic Hall of Fame for his contributions. Jim was a member of the Natick Recreation Department and was one of the founders of the Neetega Teenager Club in Natick. He will always consider himself a “Natick Redmen”.
Jim graduated from Bridgewater State University in 1961, where he was a three sport athlete and the captain of the football team. Jim held a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education from Bridgewater and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Framingham State College. Bridgewater State University has always held a special place in his heart as this is where he met the love of his life and soul mate Lana Rae Steele, his beloved wife of 49 years before passing away on April 18, 2011.
Jim’s passion for the town of Natick and Bridgewater State University was reflected in his tireless community service efforts. Jim showed his lifelong dedication to his alma mater, helping to forge its rapid growth by serving on many of its boards including the Alumni Board and the Foundation Board. In addition, he took an active role serving on the University’s Athletic Stadium Committee from its initial design of the facility to its completion. He has been considered by many of his classmates as their "Mr. Bridgewater" because of his outstanding efforts over the years for the college. His passionate nature and desire to make a difference always put him at the top of the list when an organization, sports team or fund raising efforts needed a champion.
Jim was a consummate family man that enjoyed time with his wife, two boys and extended family. Cape Cod was his favorite place to vacation, and he and Lana called “The Cape” home in their retirement. Spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them how to hunt, fish, tell stories, pick vegetables from the garden and fill the bird feeders are several memories that will continue to be endearing to all. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and best friend to many.
Jim’s long career started as a teacher at the Bennett Hemingway School in Natick. Like everything in his life he continued to grow and dedicate his efforts to advance his career and improve Education. Jim’s dedication to the field of education was exemplified by his 25 years of service as a Principal of several Ashland public schools.
Jim Argir was a man with a big heart, a palpable presence, and was a loyal and dependable friend to many people. He loved being an elementary school principal. Jim also loved the Massachusetts Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA) of which he was a member and a leader for almost fifty years. Jim was the go-to guy to get things done. He was passionate about his work, organized in its execution, and creative in finding solutions.
For MESPA, he was a dominant presence. He held many positions some of which included: Chair of the Search Committee to find the first executive director,3rd, 2nd, 1st Vice President of MESPA, President of MESPA, President of MESPEF (the MESPA Education Foundation), Chair of the Building Committee that found the site for the MESPA Education Center in Marlborough, Chair of the Fundraising Committee and Member of the Governor Dukakis’ Advisory Council. These were just the major offices that he held, but, beyond them, he was the soul of MESPA from the beginning, believing that principals deserved a voice. He made sure that MESPA became that voice. MESPA was a second family to Jim. He cared about it, helped to grow it into a stellar organization statewide and nationally. Along the way, he garnered the respect and gratitude of thousands of principals and other educators – a legacy to be remembered and honored.
Jim was very active in the Albanian Orthodox Church of the Annunciation of Natick. He had a lifetime commitment to the Natick church including the chairman of the board. He also maintained an active seat on the Albanian Orthodox Archdiocese Council. He was awarded the Albanian Diocese Medal of St George which is the highest honor given for contributions to the Church.
Jim’s lifelong friend, Michael Rourke of Natick, said it best in a recent testimonial:
“Maryann and I extend our deepest condolences from our whole family to all the Argir families. Words cannot express the enormity of Dad's contributions of love and caring to everyone he touched, and his great pride in all of you. Each of us who knew him saw only a slice of Dad's God given gifts, and his use of them to help his family, community, church and so many brothers and sisters in his vast number of circles of involvement and influence--but his total commitment to each of them was the one thing common to all.
Most importantly, Lana (Mom) and each of you were the source of his greatest joy, pride and accomplishment here on earth. You all gave back to him the greatest gift of all-God's love for us. He was and will always be one of my greatest examples of a true friend, mentor and leader-Rest in Peace Dear Jim, you are safely back in the arms of our loving Lord, and your dearest partner Lana.”
Closing Prayer
Father, thank you so much for your grace and your goodness, for your message of hope, for this man’s life and how it was spent, we pray that we might all aspire to live as well as Jim did. We thank you that he is now safe in your presence. And we pray that today you fill us with faith, and guide us along our way so that we might end up in the same place when it is our time.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jim’s Funeral Service at Bethany Health Care Center, 97 Bethany Road, Framingham, MA on Tuesday, December 13th at 10:00 A.M. Interment will follow in Dell Park Cemetery, 163 Pond Street Natick.
Visiting hours are on Monday, December 12th from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at John Everett and Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, at Natick Common.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Bethany Healthcare Center, 97 Bethany Rd., Framingham, MA 01701 or to the Albanian Orthodox Church of the Annunciation of Natick, 37 Washington St., Natick, MA 01760