James F. Byrnes, a 53 year resident of Medford and formerly of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Monday, December 1, 2014 at Monarch Homes in Woburn following a lengthy illness. He was 82 years old.
James was born in Boston on November 25, 1932, a son of the late James J. Byrnes and Ruth F. (Capuano) Byrnes. He grew up in Charlestown where he was educated in the Boston Public School system. H enlisted into the United States Army on March 10, 1950 and served his country with pride and courage during the Korean Conflict. He was discharged on April 3, 1953 with the rank of Private First Class. James worked as a mail carrier for the United Postal Service and retired after 35 years of dedicated service. He was a life member of the Medford American Legion Post. He enjoyed raising greyhound dogs and was a member of the American Greyhound Association. He also enjoyed woodworking and used his skills at home improvements, traveling to Foxwoods and vacationing whenever the time allowed and most of all he was a passionate Red Sox fan.
James is the beloved husband of the late Beatrice V. (McNelley) Byrnes. He is the devoted father of Diane V. Bielski and her husband Robert of Medford and the late James E. Byrnes. He is the loving Grandfather of William C. Bielski and Danielle K. Bielski. He is the brother of Arthur Byrnes of Medford, Marie Savage of New Hampshire, Gail Berger of New Hampshire and the late Richard Byrnes.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend James Funeral on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 8:45 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 1159 Main St. Melrose followed by his Funeral Mass in the Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St. Malden at 10 A.M. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. Visiting hours will be on Friday, December 5, 2014 from 4 to 8 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in James name to the Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant St. Watertown, Mass. 02472.