James R. Tedford

James Ronald Tedford, (“Jim” “Ron” “Ted”) died January 20, 2025 at Alliance Health of Baldwinsville, following a short period of declining health. 

He was born April 7, 1936 in Medford, MA; the first child of James N. Tedford and Alma Helen (Saunders) Tedford. Family tradition was to name a first son James, with alternate generations using their middle name. So, he was known as J. Ronald from birth thru High School. 

Jim was predeceased by his parents, his brother Glenn Tedford and his daughter Sarah Tedford. He is survived by Pat, his wife of 62 years, his son James R. Tedford Jr., his sister Diane McLaughlin, a sister-in-law, Ellen Tedford, a brother-in-law, John Jasper, and many nieces and nephews. 

He grew up in Shrewsbury, on the shores of Lake Quinsigamon, enjoying lots of boating. He attended local schools through his junior year at Major Howard Beal High School, and he was a proud oarsman for the Crew under then coach, Chief Kenneth Burns. In his senior year, his family moved to Scituate, MA and he graduated from Scituate High School in 1954 and joined the Air Force, serving 4 years. It was the Air force that changed his name from J. Ronald to James R. (but many continued to call him Ron). Next, he took advantage of the GI Bill and attended UMASS Amherst, earning a degree in Business Administration, and also meeting his future wife Patricia Jasper. 

Jim & Pat married in 1962, and shortly after, moved to Athol, where he opened his automobile dealership, Tedford Motors - a fitting move since his mother always claimed his first spoken word was “car”. During the energy crisis, Jim became very interested in finding energy solutions. Another interest of his was genealogy. He did extensive research on both the Tedford and Jasper families, and sometimes helped friends research their families. 

Jim was a good man, a good husband and father. He will truly be missed. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution in Jim’s memory to the Mount Grace Land Trust, the Masonic Education and Charity Trust, or a charity of your choice.

There will be a calling hour at Mack Family Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange, MA on Saturday Jan. 25 @ 10:00 am followed by a memorial service @ 11:00 am.