James B. Kendrick

AMHERST - James Bierkett Kendrick, 79, of Amherst passed away at his home on Monday, January 2, 2012.   James was born on April 21, 1932 in Gardner, MA, the son of Karl S. and Caroline B. (Croucher) Kendrick. He resided in Athol and attended the Highland School through the fourth grade. At the age of 14, James began receiving residential and educational services from Monson Developmental Center. He moved back into the community in 1971 and was supported by the ARC of Franklin County in the Greenfield area until 1985. At that time, he began receiving support and residential services from the Behavioral Health Network, while residing in the Northampton area, before finally moving to his home in Amherst in 2009. James attended Thayer Care Adult Day Health in Hadley since 2003.   James enjoyed going to movies, bowling, dining at Friendly’s, watching the news and Westerns, playing cards, shopping, going to dances and community attractions and had previously been an active participant at the YMCA. He attended regular in-home religious services provided by Deacon Lucien Miller.     James is survived by his dear sister, Mary Varisco of Duxbury, MA and Marco Island, Florida and his brother Peter Kendrick of Kennesaw, Georgia. He also leaves behind his housemates Grace M., Annie A., Richard R. and Harold T., his dear friend Rochelle T. and many devoted caregivers from BHN.     He was predeceased by his mother in 1971 and by his father in 1976; also many aunts and uncles predeceased him.    A Memorial Celebration of James’ life will be held at the Community Room at 9 Chestnut Street in Amherst on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.     There are no calling hours.     $(document).ready(function(){ });