James A. Chague

James A. Chague, 86, of Lee, died July 8, 2021.

He was born in Pittsfield, MA on May 24, 1935, the son of Eugene and Agnes Cummings Chague. He was a 1954 graduate from Lenox High School. In his early years he was employed as a painter for the B.G. Casey Co., a driver for the Lenox Taxi, Fuore Bus and Taxi Co., and for the C.G. Stanley Bus Co., as a driver manager. He also worked part-time at the State Line Restaurant. Mr. Chague worked for 36 years for the Town of Lenox School Department, retiring from the Morris Elementary School in 1998.

Jim was an avid car buff. He painted in oils as well as restoring prints and paintings. He enjoyed restoring furniture in his spare time. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, metal-detecting and digging for bottles on the mountain. Jim’s favorite past time was relaxing while enjoying nature.

Suffering from extreme lead poisoning as a child, Jim was under constant observation of his illness until the time of death. The results of the long-term monitoring of his illness are being studied to help others through early diagnosis and treatment.

Mr. Chague is survived by his two sons: James Chague of Lee and Eugene A. Chague of Lenox; four daughters: Teresa Hutchinson of OK, Pamela Cutt of Lee, Karen (Edwin) Sutton of Pittsfield and Melissa (Michael) Scolforo of Lee; a brother, Eugene R. (Jan) of Lenox; a sister, Virginia Moses of Pownal, VT; 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Lisa MacDowell; a sister, Emily Todd-Taylor, and a brother, Joseph Chague.

Big Jim was one of kind. He was often seen sitting on his perch on Summer Street and kept everyone entertained with many stories. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

There will be a Visiting Hour from 10AM – 11AM on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at the Kelly Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:30AM at the Mountain View Cemetery in Lenox Dale.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care od the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.