Friends of the Orange Armory

02/18/2026

February 17, 2026

James E. Cornwell

ORANGE- James E. Cornwell was born in Gardner, MA, on March 1, 1943, to Durward E. (Stubby) Cornwell and Ruth E. (Engwall) Cornwell. He was raised in Orange, attended Orange schools and graduated from Mahar Regional School in 1960. After attending the University o Hartford, CT, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1961. He spent 20 years in the Air Force where his career started as a missile mechanic and then retrained to become an Inflight Refueling Technician (Boom Operator) in 1969. He flew a KC-135 refueling tanker with the Strategic Air Command during Operation Young Tiger supporting air operations during the Vietnam War. He then was selected to become one of the three boomers involved with inflight refueling flight testing at Edwards AFB, CA. There he participated in the development and testing of new equipment entering the Air Force inventory. This included the F-15 Eagle Fighter, A-10 Warthog Fighter, E4B Command Post, E3B AWACS, C-130E Combat Talon,YF-16 and YF-17 Fighters, YC-14 and YC-15 Cargo Aircraft, B-1 Bomber, and many systems test. The last test project he was involved with was the new KC-10 Tanker Aircraft, where he was the Project Boom Operator.
Jim earned an Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, 3 Air Force Commendation Medals, 4 Air Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, and Good Conduct medals. He retired from the Air Force in May of 1981.
After his Air Force retirement, Jim worked for Calspan Corp in Buffalo, NY, for 17 years. He started as an aircraft mechanic, progressed to aircraft crew chief, and then was selected as the Chief of Maintenance for the Flight Research Branch of Calspan. The Flight Research Branch was responsible for in-flight simulation aircraft that supported Air Force, Navy and NASA projects such as the Space Shuttle, F-16 Fighter, Test Pilot Schools, and new Fighter Aircraft development for foreign countries.
Upon leaving Calspan in 1997, Jim and his wife, Judy started on a career with NASCAR, hauling racing showcars around the country for various teams and sponsors. This job allowed them to visit all the lower 48 states, and with a couple of vacations, allowed them to be able to visit all 50 states.
Jim and Judy moved back to Orange in 2002, where Jim worked for Jim’s Auto one year, before being asked to go back “on the road” with Joe Gibbs Racing and the Home Depot/Tony Stewart Race Team. They worked for Joe Gibbs for 3 years which was highlighted by Tony winning his second NASCAR championship and their subsequent trip to New York where their race car carried NBC’s Ann Curry on a tour of the city with Tony at the wheel.
Jim married Judy Armstrong in September 1964, in Orlando, FL. They have 2 children, Sharlene, a retired Air Traffic Controller living in Long Island, NY; and Donald, a retired Air Force fighter pilot and F-22 simulator instructor, living in St. Louis, MO. They have 6 grandchildren, Matt, Amanda, James and Andrew from Long Island; and Collin and Keenan from MO.
Jim and Judy have been involved with the Town of Orange in many capacities over the years. A few “tours” with Mr. & Mrs Claus definitely highlighted this list. Jim was a member of the Cemetery Commission, Trustee’s of the Soldiers Memorials, Bicentennial Committee, Starry, Starry Night Committee, as well as a member of the Orange Taxpayer’s Association. Jim was also a member and Trustee of the Central Congregational Church of New Salem. Jim & Judy were also members of the North Quabbin Crusiers Car Club. They worked with the many shows the club was involved with, plus finally being able to display their 1971 Ford Torino GT, which they rebuilt and originally owned. Jim was also working on their 1969 Ford Galaxie 500XL, which they too have owned sine new. The ’69 went back on the road in August of 2016, after 20 years of storage.
Calling hours will be Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 12-2 p.m. and from 4-6 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 1 p.m. a Witty’s Funeral Home in Orange.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make a donation to the Central Congregational Church of New Salem, Capital Improvement Fund, 22 South Main Street, New Salem, MA 01355, the Pioneer Junior Women’s Club, P.O. Box 193, Orange, MA 01364 or to the Civil Air Patrol Squadron 10, 5 Brewster Avenue, Northport, NY 11768.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

04/30/2025

Richard Sheridan, Friend and Champion of the people, passed away one year ago April 29th.
A group of friends and citizens gathered in Memorial Park to mark the occasion with a song and words honoring Richard. His favorite song was "Clementine" (the Bobby Darin version) which was sung by Ann and Terry Reed.

Posted here are alternate lyrics written by Laurie MacDonald for Richard. We miss you!

03/08/2025

Today we remember Richard Sheridan on what would have been his 79th birthday. Born on March 8, 1946, Richard would grow up to serve as a “Man of the People” for Orange - a distinction he selflessly lived out for a half-century until his death on April 29 of last year. We miss you, Richard!

09/13/2024

To honor our fallen heroes of the Orange Armory, Richard Sheridan and Mike Sinclair, who worked diligently to Save the Armory up until the day of their untimely passing, we have created an unofficial name, "moniker"--- The Sheridan Sinclair Memorial Armory!

07/15/2024

06/25/2024

To all the friends of the Orange Armory - two more Armory commissioners are needed. Two commissioners, while in the midst of fighting hard to save the Armory, died suddenly in quick succession. The memorial story on the first gentleman, Richard Sheridan, is posted on the Friends of the Orange Armory page as well as in the Athol Daily News last week. The other gentleman - Michael Sinclair - is mentioned paying special respects to Richard (just four days before his own unexpected death).
Please DM me if you or someone you know is interested.

06/18/2024

‘Man of the People’ Sheridan is remembered with testimonial gathering at diner he’d frequented in life

ORANGE - Dozens of surviving friends filled the White Cloud Diner after hours, on June 9, to honor the memory of local “man of the people” Richard Sheridan. At 78, Sheridan, who had served townspeople from several official posts over many years, passed away April 29, less than three months after stepping down from his long held seat on the Board of Selectmen.

“Mere politicians may collect allies for a season, but Richard Sheridan formed real friendships - the kind that follow a good person beyond office. And that is why we gather here today,” emcee Ann Reed told the gathering of mutual close friends. She described Sheridan, who throughout his final months remained active from the other side of the Selectmen’s table, as “lionhearted to the end” and “Irreplaceable.”

A funeral for Sheridan had been held in May, largely for family, who reportedly remain hard-hit by their sudden loss. Sunday’s testimonial gathering aimed to satisfy a lingering need for friends in particular to collectively pay respects.

Specially selected recorded music that greeted them Sunday included “With A Little Help from My Friends,” ”If I Had A Hammer,” and “Beautiful Dreamer,” among other selections. A long buffet quickly filled with hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and flowers. Proprietor Bill Sheldon generously provided hot and cold beverages as well as use of the venue itself - a place Sheridan had enjoyed frequenting in life.

Friends took turns at the microphone, or speaking from their tables, to share personal stories and sentiments celebrating “Richard” as each knew and appreciated him. Whether drawing laughs, tears, or vigorous nods of agreement, every anecdote was delivered with warmth and respect.

Reed, then a reporter, recalled becoming friends with Sheridan following his run for office of more than 30 years ago. "Richard stood out for his purity of intentions, colorful individuality, and down-home amiability,” she recalled of her interview with that candidate. “And he never stopped standing out.”

Sheridan’s family, too, was specially acknowledged for having “made the sacrifice” of somewhat “sharing him with the world,” given how civically driven and prolific in friendships Sheridan had been throughout his life. Although unable to attend, Sheridan’s beloved widow, Paula, had graciously sent a delivery of prepared dishes and a large photographic memorial meme, featuring a smiling Richard and including the words “Loving Husband, Father, Brother and Friend.” That two-by-three-foot poster served as backdrop for the speakers’ stage.

A separate memorial sign, placed near the entrance amid fresh flowers, read “Let us honor and remember Richard Sheridan - 1946-2024 - beloved Man of the People.” The smiling image of a visibly humbled Sheridan had been captured at a special town meeting last January, as the departing selectman faced a standing ovation following unexpected spoken tributes and bestowal of a special citation from the state House of Representatives and Senate. That honor had been delivered by former state Rep. Denise Andrews, Orange, who helped organize Sunday’s gathering.

Following Sunday’s testimonial program and reception at the diner, a contingent of attendees proceeded downtown to Memorial Park, where they conducted a closing ceremony in front of the Massachusetts Peace Statue. Reed noted that Memorial Park, as town green, is a particular “bastion of free speech.”

At that, Michael Sinclair read a poem Sheridan had written exactly one month before his passing, which Sinclair had also read to the selectmen’s meeting held on the heels of Sheridan’s death. The poem, citing what Sheridan termed an “oligarchy,” interpreted as a local reference, reads in part:

It's saddening to see the common man looked down upon.
I want to help change it before I'm gone.
Don't be apathetic, speak out until they get it!!

Sherri St.John read aloud from a publication that noted how Sheridan and his wife had been named 2023 recipients of the Marine Robert M. Carey Award, bestowed by the Pequoig Detachment 1168, Marine Corps League. The dedication reads in part, “Every year, Paula and her husband appear multiple times at toy collection areas with their vehicle jam-packed with toys, bicycles and children’s clothes and articles in support of the local veterans collecting toys during the holiday season.” St.John explained that the Sheridans had initiated successful efforts to expand the program’s range to benefit children living specifically in the North Quabbin region.

Before departing Memorial Park, the group of friends Sheridan leaves behind sang “America The Beautiful,” led by esteemed local soprano Candi Fetzer. Some voices rose in harmony.

03/05/2024

At the Selectboard Meeting March 4th and the topic of discussion was what to do about the Armory. No decisions were made and the Armory is supposed to be on the March 27th Selectboard meeting.

02/02/2024

https://www.recorder.com/Outgoing-Orange-Selectboard-member-raises-issue-with-Armory-access-53899473

ORANGE — The Selectboard this week settled an outgoing member’s grievance about Armory Commission members being unable to access the brick building they have been tasked with maintaining and protecting.Richard Sheridan has vowed to save the...