James Beshaw

PALMER-James W. Beshaw, 76, died Friday, July 11, 2025, surrounded by the love and care of his family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife and loving partner of 12 years, Donna M. (Paradis) Gamache; a son, Trent J. Beshaw and his wife, Darlene, of Sterling; a grandson, Anderson W. Beshaw; a brother, Joseph C. Beshaw, husband of the late Lynne, of Douglas; two sisters: Paula K. Savard, wife of the late Gerard, of Sterling, and Carla Rae Holland and her partner, Jim Schumaker of Santa Fe, NM; two step-sons: Timothy R. Gamache and his husband, Avi Ginsberg, of Nashua, NH, and Mitchell A. Gamache and his partner, Tamara Dickens, of Fitchburg; many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Born and raised in Albany, NY, he was the son of the late William C. and Viola P. (Ashline) Beshaw. At the age of 16, his family relocated to Massachusetts, and he graduated from Burncoat High School, Worcester, in 1966. He resided in Sterling for many years, before settling in Palmer 40 years ago.

Jim owned and operated Day/Nite Superstores in Worcester and Leominster from 1977-1990. He then used his expertise in that arena, and worked as a consultant, diversity expert and manager for various markets in the Boston area from 1990-2017. Never one to sit idle, he continued to work as a van pool driver for school children from 2017-2020, at which time he retired. He was very proud of his accomplishments in the grocery industry, and became a legend in the inner city of Boston, known as “the man with the hat.”

He was a proud father, grandfather and brother with a strong love of family. His grandson, Anderson, was a great source of pride as he encouraged him through his academic, sports and musical achievements, often texting advice and life lessons.

A man of great faith, he prayed often, helped raise many families during his lifetime, and was always giving his all to help others. He was also an animal lover, who adored all of God’s creatures, big and small.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Monday, July 21, 2025 at St. Richard of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge St., Sterling. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of James Beshaw to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168, or Animal Shelter, Inc. 17 Laurelwood Rd, Sterling, MA 01564. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com