James A. Soucy, 64

James A. Soucy, 64, of North Springfield, husband of Jill E. Markert, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning, February 9, 2016, at Springfield Hospital. He was born July 18, 1951, to Harold A. and Anna Marie (Klett) Soucy in Fort Worth, Texas. After graduating from Lamar High School in Houston, Texas, James earned a BA in history from Baylor University, followed by a master’s degree in sports fitness.

He served as a consultant at the White Sands Proving Ground in New Mexico before returning to Texas to earn a BS in electrical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, after which he accepted a position as a semiconductor equipment engineer at Sematech. James loved to work with his hands. He could fix almost anything from crew shells to old houses to semiconductor equipment.

He met the love of his life, Jill Markert, while they were maintaining racing shells together at the Austin Rowing Club. The couple married in Springfield on July 24, 1997 and moved to Springfield in August 2006. James was happy to leave behind the big-city bustle of Austin for a quieter small-town life in Vermont. He fit himself right into the Springfield community, volunteering at the Springfield Humane Society and the Springfield Warming Shelter. He was a member of the Springfield Budget Committee and the North School Preservation Society. He was also a friend of the First Congregational Church and a member of the church book group. In his younger days, James was an avid cyclist and an active member of the Austin Rowing Club. Later, he was a devoted dog owner who enjoyed bringing his Labradors to run in one of the many natural open spaces in Springfield.

James was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews whom he nurtured and encouraged with his integrity and deeply thoughtful and quiet manner. He is survived by his wife, Jill; his sister, Linda Collins of Upland, California, and her daughter, Christa Collins of Fullerton, California; as well as numerous Markert relatives.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the First Congregational Church UCC on Main Street in Springfield with Reverend Jean O’Bresky, pastor, officiating. A reception at the church will follow. Contributions may be made in his memory to the Springfield Warming Shelter, P.O. Box 243, North Springfield, VT 05150; the Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156; the North School Preservation Society, 2087 Reservoir Road, Perkinsville, VT 05151; or to a charity of one’s choice. Davis Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

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