The annual holiday gathering which included past parade Marshals happened right before Christmas. It’s the most anticipated night for the West Springfield St. Patrick’s Committee. It’s the night we choose who will lead our city down the streets of Holyoke for the St. Patrick’s Day parade. In attendance were Marshal’s from recent years as well as marshals from years past, with them having share their stories of their “special day” with the committee and all that were in attendance.

The nominees need to be residents of West Springfield and of Irish descent and have given the committee and or town/city of in-kind service. It’s someone that enhances the betterment of our town.

This years’ choice was a unanimous pick based on his attributes to the town. This man is a lifelong resident of West Springfield, a graduate of Cathedral High School, and is on many boards and committees presently, and giving much of his time volunteering. We, as the parade committee, are thrilled to honor James Sheridan the 2023 marshal for the city of West Springfield. He will be leading the town’s contingent on March 19th as we weave along the streets of Holyoke.

   Jim worked for John H. Breck in his younger days, and then went into the trucking business where he is a retired teamster’s truck driver. He has been married to Maureen Brady for 24 years and lives on Prince Avenue. He has 5 children, 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Jim has been a 14-year member and past VP and board member of the Mohawk Estates Property owners, serving on the building and lake committees. He is also a 20 plus year member and volunteer at the Tatham Social Club.

 With Jim embracing his Irish ancestry, Jim has also been a member of the Sons of Erin for over 20 years, and a long-time member of the K of C, in which he created the “Irish Knight of the Year”, who was given annually to a dedicated member of Irish Decent. Jim was honored also with this award.

Not long after Jim joined the West Springfield St’ Patrick’s Parade Committee over 20 years ago, he has worked helping with the design and building of the annual colleen floats. He is a past VP and is also a present board member.

Jim has also been a West Side Special Olympics coach for over 10 years, working with athletes in softball, flag football and basketball. He knew there was a need, and Jim jumped right in!