Obituary of Thomas F James, Jr

Thomas F. James, Jr., 85, of Peabody formerly of Bedford passed away peacefully on January 16at the Veteran’s Hospital in Bedford after a courageous 22 year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born in Somerville, he was the son of the late Thomas F. James, Sr. and Helen (Callahan) James. He graduated from Somerville High School in 1946 and subsequently served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Alaska. After his discharge, he enrolled at East Coast Aero Tech, graduating in 1950. He began his Aviation career with Sylvania Corporation servicing their private airplane, a DC 3. When Sylvania joined with General Telephone and Electronics, Tom began a long and successful thirty year career with G.T.E., his last role being Service Chief for their beautiful fleet of Executive Airplanes. His position took him too many areas of the country. During those years he attended several aviation schools and acquired a vast knowledge of all types of aircraft. While his children attended Bishop Fenwick High School, Tom became a faithful member of the “Bishop Fenwick Boosters Club.” This was a group of dedicated parents, all great friends who worked very hard to fund the entire sports program. He retired from G.T.E. in 1986, after which he enjoyed traveling, cruising, gardening and just spending time with his family. He will be remembered for quiet, kind nature, his willingness to help others, his love of his profession and his dedication to his family and friends. He leaves his wife of 59 years, Patricia (Furdon) James, his daughters, Kathleen Dugan and Eileen James, both of Peabody, his sons Stephen of Hamilton and Christopher of Hampton, Georgia. He also leaves four grandsons Ryan Pike of Peabody, Paul Dugan of North Carolina, Michael James and Scott James, both of Georgia, also four great grandchildren, Madison, Anna, Grayson, and Rebecca James. He was predeceased by his son Michael in 1958. At Thomas’s request there are no visiting hours and Memorial Mass and day of remembrance will be celebrated in June. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Care Dimensions (formerly Hospice of North Shore) 75 Sylvan St., Suite B -102, Danvers, MA 01923.