"Work hard, play hard." There wasn't a moment that those words weren't true. Life was something to cherish. Something to celebrate. Something to enjoy every second of. Yes, work is essential, but playing hard was the essence of who Jim was. That may be literally getting on the ground to play with his kids. Exploring life, the world and the unknown with his beloved wife, Patti. Spending time with his sisters. Heading out in the early morning for a run. Grabbing a cool drink at a baseball game with his friends. Working every day alongside friends at IBM for over 30 years. Everything he did was grounded in the firm belief that life was above all a gift that deserved to be celebrated.
His life was fulfilled by the people he shared it with. His family was the cornerstone of who he was. His parents and sisters built the foundation of his being. He built four circles - Jim, Patti, Shauna and Jenna - and each of the circles overlapped to meet in the middle forming a support that could never break: family. Each person who gave him the opportunity to be a part of their lives enriched him. There wasn't a single person he didn't learn from, cherish and appreciate. To everyone that knew him, thank you. You are all the people that lit up his day, made him smile and challenged him to grow. Although we all wish there were more moments to spend with him, he lived his life full of love and without regret. We feel grateful to have been there to enjoy that life with him. If there is one thing he could leave everyone with, it would be to love and never live a day feeling like you should have done something - do it, live it, love it and never have regret.
He was born on Oct. 8, 1956 in St. Albans. He is survived by the love of his life, Patricia Hogan Pelkey; and their two daughters, Shauna Pelkey Mace, her husband, Adam Mace and their daughter McKenna James Mace, and Jenna Pelkey; his forever loving sisters, Marlene Pelkey and Irene Curtin, Debbie Moore and her spouse, Tim Moore, Cheryl Banning and her spouse, Bruce Banning, Vickie Pelkey and Darla Ayer, and Colleen Pelkey. He was predeceased by his parents, Arnold and Margaret (Mags) Pelkey. He is also survived by inlaws, Patrick and Pauline Hogan; and sisters, Cathy Colman and spouse, Richard Colman, Julie Longway and spouse, Richard Longway, Linda Gaboriault and spouse, Albert Gaboriault, Paula Hogan and Patrick Hogan. He was a "favorite uncle" to many nieces and nephews; beloved by his aunts, uncles and cousins; and will forever live on in the hearts of his friends.
