Gibbons James J. Sr., age 93 of Roxbury, September 2, 2016, husband of the late Eileen T. (McCowan) Gibbons, the light of his life. James was the father of five devoted children, Richard M. Gibbons, Maureen T. (Gibbons) Jelloe, husband Robert J. Jelloe, Terrence J. Gibbons, wife Kathleen (Cobb), Kathleen T. Harris (Gibbons), widow of Stephen J. Harris, and James J. Gibbons, Jr., wife Margaret Donovan. Born in South Boston, Jim was a successful graduate of Boston Trade High School and served with honor as a Marine in World War II. Upon his release to civilian life, he earned his living as a welder and a multi-talented mechanic at the General Electric Plant in Lynn where he worked for almost 60 years. Jim, a staunch union supporter, served as a Shop Steward. Jim was a Boy Scout Troup leader for Troop 48 in St. Patrick’s parish, Roxbury, for several years before moving to Mission Hill where he lived for 60 years. He and his wife were very active in community affairs while raising their children and were among the prime movers in the creation and operation of MUNIT (Mission Hill United Neighborhood Improvement Team), Mission Hill Neighborhood Association, and Mission Hill Health Movement. In 1996, Mayor Thomas Menino recognized their significant contributions to the community by dedicating and naming a playground on the corner of Sewall Street and Delle Avenue as the Eileen T. and James J. Gibbons Playground. Jim was the grandfather of 11: Brendan J. Jelloe, of Dorchester, Michael J. Jelloe of Long Island (wife Dana Sullivan), Brian J. Jelloe of Los Angeles (wife Jennifer), Stephen J. Harris of Milton (wife Ann Donnay), Robert G. Harris of Foxborough (wife Peggy Joyce), Timothy J. Harris of Milton (wife Karen Finnerty), Cynthia L. Lydon (Gibbons) of Weymouth (husband Peter), Terrence Gibbons of Weymouth (wife Heather Dempsy), Sean Gibbons of Weymouth (wife Dominique Pompeo), Audrey Gibbons of New York and Marina Gibbons of Los Angeles. Jim delighted in being the great grandfather of 21 grandchildren who remember him with great affection. He was an exemplary and loving father and always a proud, faithful Marine. Jim was a man who was quietly giving and generous to many people and numerous causes. The Gibbons family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Pauline Nelson for her several years of loving care. Burial will be a graveside service at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2016, at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, LaGrange Street, West Roxbury. A memorial service is planned for the near future. For guestbook and directions please visit www.gormleyfuneral.com.
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