PITTSFIELD, Mass. — James Bernard 'Big Jim' O'Neill, 62, of Pittsfield and formerly of North Adams, died peacefully Wednesday September 7, 2016, at his home.



He was born in North Adams on September 16, 1953, a son of the late Henry "Spike" O'Neill and Mary (Mastalisz) O'Neill. He attended schools in North Adams and at Berkshire Community College. He was employed for several years for the City of North Adams Highway Department.



Big Jim enjoyed cooking, fishing and the outdoors. His favorite television show was Jeopardy and he liked cowboy movies. He was fun to be around and loved deeply by his family.



Survivors include his two children, James B. O'Neill II of North Adams and Gabriel Stevens of Stephentown, N.Y.; grandson Gabriel Schultheis of Pittsfield; two sisters, Eileen O'Neill of North Adams and Debra Reese of Adams; two brothers, Edward O'Neill and Henry "Spike" O'Neill, both of North Adams; his life-long friend Pauline Dawson; and friend Amanda Larabee.



He was predeceased by two sisters, Jacqueline O'Neill Dowdell and Sandra Marran.



Funeral notice: A memorial service for James B. O'Neill will take place at a later date. Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals is in charge of the arrangements.