Alfred J. “Jim” Spring

Sutton- Alfred J. "Jim" Spring, Jr., 79,  formerly of Whitins Rd. passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025 after an illness. His wife of 49 years Janis M. (Hayden) Spring died December 30, 2021.

         He is survived by his six children Jennifer M. Spring of Swansea, Rebecca L.Lynch and her husband Kym of W. Springfield, with whom he lived, Timothy P. Spring and his wife Jessica of Auburn, Jeffrey H. Spring and his wife Angela of Franklin, Dr. Laura M. Spring and her husband Dr. Edward Arous of Westborough, and Christopher M. Spring of Sutton; 8 grandchildren; 2 sisters Jo-Ann Feeney of E. Bridgewater, and Beverly Karol of Norton; a brother Robert Spring of Raynham; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother William Spring.

         Born in Boston, MA on March 16, 1946 he was the son of Alfred J. Sr. and Margaret (Billotte) Spring and was raised in Randolph. He moved to Sutton to raise his family in 1975 and moved to W. Springfield in 2023.

         Mr. Spring was a graduate of Norfolk County Agricultural High School and attended UMass Amherst to study Animal Science. He began his career owning and operating an employment agency in the Southbridge and Worcester area. He was then employed in the dairy health industry, working as General Manager for 40 years, distributing animal health products and dairy supplies nationwide. He retired in 2011.

         Jim raised Roller Pigeons for many years. A longtime member of the National Birmingham Roller Club, he was one of only approximately 50 individuals worldwide to earn the distinction of Master Flyer. Over the years, he judged many competitions and made many friends through this association. He was also a member of the American Dairy Goat Association and raised Registered Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats, producing delicious cheese, ice cream, yogurt, butter and milk for the family to enjoy. They could often be seen sitting atop the rocks on his property.

         Jim loved farming and was a member of the Future Farmers of America. His yard reflected this. It was filled with lush vegetable and flower gardens. He and his wife Janis canned and preserved much of their garden's bounty.

         When possible, Jim enjoyed combining business trips with the opportunity to view many NFL and college football games in stadiums throughout the country. He also had a passion for wilderness fishing trips; backpacking 16 miles on horseback into the Grand Tetons to fish for cutthroat trout and helicoptering to a remote island off the coast of Alaska to catch king salmon.

         Most importantly, he cherished the time spent with his family.

          A proud American, he served 6 years in the US Army Reserve with the 187th Support Battalion.

         His funeral service will be held Saturday, September 13th at 6:30 pm in Jackman Funeral Home, 7 Mechanic St., Douglas. Cremation burial beside his wife at South Sutton Cemetery will be privately held at a future date. Calling hours at the funeral home are Saturday, September 13th from 5-6:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mass General Hospital Cancer Center. To leave a condolence message for his family please visit: www.Jackmanfuneralhomes.com

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