James H. Deyo

James H. Deyo Athol – James H. Deyo, 97, died Thursday, April 30, 2015 at his home.      Jim was born in Windsor, VT on November 28, 1917, the son of Herbert H. and Bridget (McEvoy) Deyo.  He lived in Windsor until the age of five, moving to Athol in 1922 where he grew up and graduated from Athol High School in 1936.  He served in the Army National Guard from 1936 until 1940.         Jim worked as a machinist and foreman for Union Twist Drill, L.S. Starrett Company, Leavitt Machine, Rodney Hunt Company and Bullard Machine in Bridgeport, CT.  He also worked for several construction companies.       Jim enjoyed building and remodeling, building several camps and additions to his home.  He was one who could work on any type of project from building to mechanics and do it very well.  Jim loved to listen to music as well as playing the violin, fiddle and harmonica.  His greatest joy was spending time with his family.       His wife of 66 years, Margaret J. (Hume) Deyo died in 2006. He leaves three sons, Ralph A. Deyo and his wife Paulette of Nazareth, PA, Patrick H. Deyo and his wife Luanne of Princeton, MA and Gary H. Deyo and his wife Judith of Athol; grandchildren, Glenn Deyo, Gayle Mantyla, Debbie Rossi, David Deyo, Jim Deyo, Jacqueline Riggs and Nicholas Deyo; 13 great grandchildren; three sisters, Margaret Allen of Virginia, Ann Marie Girard of Vancouver, WA and Mary McLaren of West Palm Beach, FL; step-sons, Tom and Michael Fehr of Nazareth, PA and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by three brothers, Herbert, John and Raymond and sister Helen Celina.       A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at the convenience of the family.  Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol is directing arrangements.  The family suggests contributions in Jim’s name be made to:  Gardner VNA Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA  01331.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });