Rockaway, NY- James J. Fitch, 41, of Shelburne Falls, MA, died unexpectedly January 21 in Rockaway. He was born in Pittsfield , MA, on October 20, 1968, and attended Dalton and Pittsfield schools. He earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science and also a biology degree from Greenfield Community College, then he obtained earned his masters degree in microbiology at UMass-Amherst. He was a very talented musician who loved animals and the outdoors. He leaves his father,, John Fitch, of Hinsdale, MA, and his mother, Nancy Jollimore, of Florida, MA; stepmother, Patricia Fitch, of Hinsdale, MA; stepfather, John E. Jollimore, of Florida, MA; sister ,Sheri Trottier, of North Adams, MA; daughter, Hannah Magoon, of Pennsylvania; nephew, Ricky Trottier and niece, Amber Trottier, of North Adams, MA; grandmother Ruth Hart, of Pittsfield; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. To send e-mail condolences to the family visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.