Obituary for James Michael Silver
James Michael Silver
“I bet you $500 I’ll marry you!!” he said with a swagger
and a smile. I won’t say what my response was as it was not very ladylike. 48 years later I’m here to memorialize the confident guy who did marry me but welshed on that bet.
James M. Silver was born on October 26, 1951 to Anne and Joseph Silver. He was the 3rd of five children: Joseph Silver (Lynn) of ME, Kathleen SilverRyder (Bill deceased) of TX, Colleen Esteves (Al) of FL, and Frank Silver (Jackie) deceased.
Growing up in Enfield, CT among good friends who remained lifelong confidants, he graduated high school in 1969 then joined the US Marine Corps, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1972.
He met the love of his life, Christine John, after enrolling at Manchester Community College. We all know how that ended up: with a ring on her finger and Jim $500 richer due to that bet he never paid on. After MCC he went on to graduate from CSCU in 1977. Life was full and happy but got even better when he held his newborns: Cory Lee on 1/3/77 and Rebekah Jane on 11/23/1984.
An avid sports fan, he proudly cheered for the Red Sox, New York Giants and UConn basketball. He loved listening to music, especially classic rock, and could always be counted on to yell “Free Bird!!” on a whim. We all need that type of guy in our lives.
A man of diverse talents, Jim wore many hats over the years: Vietnam Veteran Counselor, West Hartford FireFighter, Coach, Math Teacher, Aquarium Director, Mohegan Sun Fitness Center Director, Poker Dealer (“Place your bets!”), Boxer and Boxing Judge, Human Resources Manager and mentor to many, including at risk
youths. The role he loved best, however, was as a loving husband, father, friend, and Papi (after Red Sox player, Big Papi) to his 3 beautiful granddaughters, Rylee, Zoe, and Vivienne.
Settling down in his forever home on Shaker Pines Lake in Enfield, life was vibrant and busy until a fateful June day in 2010 when Jim had a motorcycle accident on his way to work which resulted in a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. He was quick to realize his new adversity, accepting it with bravery and positivity while managing it with grace and a good dose of humor. He knew that in two months his first granddaughter would be born and he had family that was there to fight alongside him. He faced the future with courage and hope.
Jim was able to finally meet his gorgeous 2-week old granddaughter at the Fisher House for Veterans’ Families 3 months after his accident. We are forever grateful to the excellent doctors and staff at the VA West Roxbury and Springfield, MA who provided the outstanding health care and resources to make his transition back home comfortable. Their compassionate care continued throughout the next 12 ½ years.
Jim is survived by his wife, son, daughter, daughter-in-law, three of his siblings, and his beloved grandchildren who were the light of his life. We have been fortunate to be loved by this incredible man who taught us that, no matter what life brings you, “endeavor to persevere.” His strength and love will continue to sustain those that loved him best.
Until we meet again, Jim, goodnight and “Freebird!!”.
Friends and Family are welcomed to call at Leete-Stevens Funeral Home 61 South Road, Enfield, on Sunday, March 12th, 2023 from 12:00 - 2:00 pm. Military honors to follow thereafter. A celebration of Jim's life will be held in June by invitation only. Memorial donations may be made to Fisher House at Fisherhouseboston.org
“I bet you $500 I’ll marry you!!” he said with a swagger
and a smile. I won’t say what my response was as it was not very ladylike. 48 years later I’m here to memorialize the confident guy who did marry me but welshed on that bet.
James M. Silver was born on October 26, 1951 to Anne and Joseph Silver. He was the 3rd of five children: Joseph Silver (Lynn) of ME, Kathleen SilverRyder (Bill deceased) of TX, Colleen Esteves (Al) of FL, and Frank Silver (Jackie) deceased.
Growing up in Enfield, CT among good friends who remained lifelong confidants, he graduated high school in 1969 then joined the US Marine Corps, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1972.
He met the love of his life, Christine John, after enrolling at Manchester Community College. We all know how that ended up: with a ring on her finger and Jim $500 richer due to that bet he never paid on. After MCC he went on to graduate from CSCU in 1977. Life was full and happy but got even better when he held his newborns: Cory Lee on 1/3/77 and Rebekah Jane on 11/23/1984.
An avid sports fan, he proudly cheered for the Red Sox, New York Giants and UConn basketball. He loved listening to music, especially classic rock, and could always be counted on to yell “Free Bird!!” on a whim. We all need that type of guy in our lives.
A man of diverse talents, Jim wore many hats over the years: Vietnam Veteran Counselor, West Hartford FireFighter, Coach, Math Teacher, Aquarium Director, Mohegan Sun Fitness Center Director, Poker Dealer (“Place your bets!”), Boxer and Boxing Judge, Human Resources Manager and mentor to many, including at risk
youths. The role he loved best, however, was as a loving husband, father, friend, and Papi (after Red Sox player, Big Papi) to his 3 beautiful granddaughters, Rylee, Zoe, and Vivienne.
Settling down in his forever home on Shaker Pines Lake in Enfield, life was vibrant and busy until a fateful June day in 2010 when Jim had a motorcycle accident on his way to work which resulted in a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. He was quick to realize his new adversity, accepting it with bravery and positivity while managing it with grace and a good dose of humor. He knew that in two months his first granddaughter would be born and he had family that was there to fight alongside him. He faced the future with courage and hope.
Jim was able to finally meet his gorgeous 2-week old granddaughter at the Fisher House for Veterans’ Families 3 months after his accident. We are forever grateful to the excellent doctors and staff at the VA West Roxbury and Springfield, MA who provided the outstanding health care and resources to make his transition back home comfortable. Their compassionate care continued throughout the next 12 ½ years.
Jim is survived by his wife, son, daughter, daughter-in-law, three of his siblings, and his beloved grandchildren who were the light of his life. We have been fortunate to be loved by this incredible man who taught us that, no matter what life brings you, “endeavor to persevere.” His strength and love will continue to sustain those that loved him best.
Until we meet again, Jim, goodnight and “Freebird!!”.
Friends and Family are welcomed to call at Leete-Stevens Funeral Home 61 South Road, Enfield, on Sunday, March 12th, 2023 from 12:00 - 2:00 pm. Military honors to follow thereafter. A celebration of Jim's life will be held in June by invitation only. Memorial donations may be made to Fisher House at Fisherhouseboston.org