James M. Bliss, 64, of Alum Hill Road in Ashley Falls passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield following a courageous battle with cancer. Born September 10, 1949 in Mineola, New York he was the son of the late Edward P. Bliss, Sr. and Helen E. Malinauska Bliss. He was a graduate of Webutuck High School in New York. He enlisted in the US Army on August 28, 1969 and was honorably discharged on March 6, 1972. Mr. Bliss retired in 2007 from Becton Dickenson in Canaan, Connecticut where he had worked as a mechanic for 25 years. Jim had a passion for cars. He loved going to car shows and would take his own classic car to some of the shows. He enjoyed camping and going to flea markets. Everywhere James traveled he would take brochures about the area. He became the "go to guy" for travel information whenever friends would want to know about a specific destination, "just call Jim; he has a brochure". A kid at heart, Jim's two favorite holidays were Halloween and Christmas. He loved to not only decorate his own home but with a never ending collection of decorations he would assist his friends and neighbors with their festive displays. However, above all else Jim cherished spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 30 years the former Melody Crine. The couple was married on July 7, 1984 in Great Barrington, Mass. He also leaves his son Josh Bliss of Sheffield, MA and three daughters, Nicole Bliss of Sheffield, MA, Michelle Cardinale of Coxsackie, NY and Dawn Rice of Richmond, VA, his brother Edward Bliss, Jr. of Wilkes-Barre, PA, his sister Julie Slater of Rhinebeck, NY and nine grandchildren. A service celebrating the life of the late James M. Bliss will be held on Monday, August 25th at 1:30p.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington, conducted by Rev. Charles VanAusdall. There will be no calling hours. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To sign the guest book or send remembrances go to www.finnertyandstevens.com
