James (Jim) Phelan, age 89, peacefully passed away on Friday October 20, 2023 at home surrounded by family.
Jim was born on December 3, 1933, in Norwood, MA, the eldest of three children born to Matthew and Mary (Sullivan) Phelan.
Jim is survived by two daughters and one son-in-law: Kathleen McWalter, Charleen Belcher and Kent Belcher; two stepdaughters: Bonnie Sullivan and Cindy Ladue; and eight grandchildren: Andy McWalter, Erica Barter, Bridget Belcher, Ian Belcher, Diana Frascella, Nicole LaPointe, Brian Sullivan and Patrick Sullivan, and ten great-grandchildren. He also leaves many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
He is predeceased by his wife Yvette Pelletier Phelan, his children: Jimmy Phelan and Carol Ann Phelan, his parents, and his siblings: Jean Cataldo, John Phelan, and Tom Jackson.
In his eighteenth year he voluntarily joined the United States Air Force and served with distinction from 1951-1955 as an Airman Second Class in the Korean War.
In 1955 Jim began a 25-year career with the United States Postal Service. Giving back to the community was something he loved and inspired in others. In 1975 he was elected and served on the Norfolk Board of Selectmen, in 1978 he was re-elected and was the chairman of the board when he retired, due to health issues, in 1979. Jim also served on the Norfolk Housing Authority from 1985-1997.
His favorite pastime was fishing, and he was particularly fond of fishing for striped bass in the Cape Cod Canal. Jim loved spending time with family and often hosted Sunday dinners as the family grew. An amazing chef, Jim delighted in feeding family and friends; leaving everyone who attended happy and satisfied. A doting grandfather, he rarely missed a recital, performance, award, graduation or celebration.
The family expresses deep gratitude to the staff of Old Colony Hospice and Palliative Care, especially his primary nurse Betsy.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Mass Monday October 30th, in St. Mary's Church, 1 Church Square Franklin at 11AM.
Interment with military honors will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.
Calling hours in the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. are Sunday Oct. 29th, from 2-4PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to: Old Colony Hospice & Palliative Care, 321 Manley Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379.