James Cross

James Cross 1927-2003 Springfield- James Cross, 75, died Thursday March 20, 2003 with his loving and devoted family by his side. He was a life long resident and was born in Springfield on December 9, 1927 the son of the late Glenna Cross. Jim attended Springfield Schools and worked for the former Perry's Fish Market in Springfield before enlisting in the U.S. Army where he had seen action in the Korean War and received the Army Occupational Medal (JAP), Korean Service Medal w/ 1 Bronze Service Star, Combat Infantry Badge while serving with the 279th Infantry and the United Nations Service Medal. After being discharged from the U.S. Army Jim returned to Springfield and was a 41-year employee and manager for Schermerhorn Fish Market retiring in 1993. Jim was a life long Boston Red Sox fan and as a child enjoyed listening to the games on the radio and in his older years watching them on television. Besides his mother he was predeceased by his loving wife Mary L (Crume) Cross and a sister Glenna A.Vilakis. Jim is survived by his four nephews Stanley, Ronald and Charles Vilakis of Springfield and James Vilakis of Chesterfield, VA. Four great-nephews Charles Jr., Thomas, Jason and Jared Vilakis also survive him. Funeral services will be Tuesday morning at 8:45 a.m. at the Tylunas Funeral Home 159 Broadway, Chicopee with a Funeral Home service at 9 a.m. with burial to follow in Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Visiting hours will be this evening from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Jim's memory to the KATZ Oncology Unit C/O B.S.M.C. Health Foundation 280 Chestnut St. Springfield, Ma 01199