James Bourdon Obituary

James V. Bourdon

SOUTHAMPTON, MA - James V. Bourdon, 72, of Southampton passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2026, after more than 3 decades of living with the debilitating physical & mental challenges of Parkinson's disease. James was born in Adams, MA., son of the late Arthur & Jeanette (Boucher) Bourdon. He was raised in Adams where he attended local schools. Jim graduated first in his Drafting class from McAnn Technical School and was admitted to the prestigious General Electric Engineering Apprenticeship Program. Jim worked as a draftsman and machine design engineer for many years before retiring. His love of all things mechanical drew him to enjoy working on cars. He was always up for the challenge of fixing anything. His many acts of kindness often involved stopping to help fix broken down cars to help their owners get on their way. He had a creative (albeit unconventional) aptitude for mechanical designs. Years before they became the newest rage, Jim built his own e-bike using a repurposed lawn mower engine! Jim even developed a prototype for LED flashlights over 3 decades before they came into common usage. He loved mechanical design and creating and solving complex problems. Jim had a great sense of humor and would often laugh at the absurdities of life - particularly his own. Before he developed Parkinson's disease, Jim loved his rock climbing, backpacking, caving and hiking adventures with friends from the Appalachian Mountain Club. He leaves his son, Ryon W. Bourdon of Amherst, to whom he has passed on his gifts of kindness and his love of outdoor adventures, his former wife Mary O'Connor of Amherst and a brother Thomas A. Bourdon and his wife Inga of Benecia, CA. The family is especially grateful for the care that Jim received from the Berkshire County Arc. The entire staff did a remarkable job easing Jim's suffering and keep him at home in this last very difficult year of his life. Ryon & Mary particularly appreciate the skillful & compassionate care that was so generously offered by the Coleman Rd. residential staff where "Jimbo" lived for more than 12 years. They are deeply grateful. Services will be private. Following cremation, interment will be at Bellevue Cemetery, Adams, MA. There are no calling hours. In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jim's memory to: Berkshire County Arc 395 South St. Pittsfield, MA 01201