James E. Ferguson, Sr., 66, of Main St., died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, June 24, 2008.

   He leaves his wife of 47 years, June L. (Strew) Ferguson of Holden; 2 sons, James E. Ferguson, Jr. and his wife Lee of Warren and Michael G. Ferguson, Sr. and his wife Kimberly of Gardner; a daughter, Tia Marie Mercier and her husband Francis of Worcester; 3 brothers, Ronald, Gerald, and Richard Ferguson all of Worcester; a sister Joann Fanion of Worcester; 11 beloved grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A brother, Robert "Bobby" Ferguson, and a sister, Tia Marie Ferguson predeceased him. He was born in Worcester the son of George E. and Cecelia (Pearson) Ferguson and was raised in Worcester before moving to Holden, where he has lived for 34 years.

   James served in the US Army National Guard. He worked as a Machinist for Simplatrol Dana Industrial in Webster and the International Ceramic Engineering Co. in Worcester before his retirement in February of 2008. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, golfing, tropical fish, photography, wine making, bird watching, and spending time with his grandchildren.

   Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 27th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. The funeral service for Mr. Ferguson will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 28th, in the funeral home followed by burial in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.