James Francis Cutter, 85 passed away in Methuen at his daughter’s residence after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family on May 28, 2014. James was a resident of Salisbury, MA. He was born January 4, 1929, in Lawrence MA, the son of the late Arthur E. Cutter and Mary (Reidy) Cutter. He graduated from Lawrence High School, and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1959 from Merrimack College. James was a veteran of World War II, having served in GHQ, Pacific Theater, Tokyo, from 1946 to 1947. He married the late Theresa Giselle Besner at Saint Augustine Church, Lawrence MA in 1951. James is survived by his four children; Theresa M., wife of Steven Thompson of Methuen MA, Kenneth of Burlington MA, Francis J. of Freedom NH, and James F. Junior of Methuen MA. His four grandchildren are Steven J. Thompson of Dracut MA, James P. Thompson of Billerica MA, Charlotte K. Cutter of Newton MA, and Caitlin L. Cutter of Somerville MA. His brother Leonard lives in Haverhill MA. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
James worked locally for Western Electric Company, AVCO, Raytheon, and for the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory when he contributed to the simulator for the Apollo lunar lander.
He enjoyed fishing, canoeing, and travel with family and friends. He had fond memories of his retirement years with his wife in Florida. In the town of Methuen he gave his time to the Conservation Commission, and to the Housing Authority.
The last years of his life were given to outstanding care for his late wife in her long illness. He was named Caretaker of the Year by Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley.
Friends and relatives are invited to call on Sunday, June 1, 2014 at 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St. Methuen, MA. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 2, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Good Council Parish, St. Theresa’s Church of Methuen. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s/Immaculate Conception Cemetery of Lawrence. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cutter Family.