CHICOPEE – James M. Santy, 78, of the Willimansett section of Chicopee, passed away peacefully on Monday April 19, 2021. Jim was born in Holyoke on January 25, 1943, a son of the late William W. and Annette Santy. He was raised in the Willimansett section of Chicopee, graduated in 1961 from Chicopee High School and lived his entire life in Willimansett. As a boy, Jim delivered the daily newspaper then moved on to selling the Sunday paper from a stand at the “Y” in Willimansett before becoming manager of the Speedway service station in Holyoke. Jim later became an accomplished machinist having worked at the former Perkins Machinery in Chicopee and retiring from Central Mass Machinery in Holyoke in 2001. Jim was also known as Gibbou, Jay and Jimmy and was an avid fisherman and boater who enjoyed frequent trips to Lake Chibougamau in northern Quebec and spending much of his time at the Quabbin Reservoir, favoring gates 43 and 8. His other hobbies included gardening, where he was known for growing some of the largest, tastiest tomatoes imaginable and could often be found roaming all the states in New England as he loved to explore isolated roads, fishing and swimming spots. Jim also followed Sarah the Fiddler at many venues throughout the area. Jim loved to laugh and to make others laugh and possessed a unique sense of humor and level of wit that was greatly appreciated by all who knew him. Jim is survived by his three siblings, Elaine Maggi of Springfield, Barbara Sanborn of West Springfield and William Santy of Chicopee. He also leaves his niece, Karen McMahon and her husband, Timothy of West Springfield; his nephews, Richard Sanborn, Jr. and his wife, Pamela of Westfield, Michael Santy and his wife, Maria of Plattsburg, MO, and Matthew Sanborn of Granby. In addition, he leaves his grandnephews, Jacob, Ryan, Christopher, Joshua, Benjamin; and grandniece, Meghan. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his two brothers-in-law, William Maggi and Richard Sanborn, Sr.; and his nephew Matthew’s wife, Michelle Sanborn. His funeral and burial will be private for his family. St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020 is entrusted with his arrangements. The parking lot and main entrance are located in the rear of the funeral home at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations may be made to Jim’s favorite charity, Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, PO Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101-6307. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com