James G. Hajjar, attorney of Lawrence, MA, passed away peacefully after a short illness on January 17, 2026. Born in Brooklyn, NY on July 22, 1929, he moved with his family at age 5 to Lawrence where he remained until his passing at 96 years old.
James was educated at Central Catholic High School, graduating in 1946, and was a member of the first graduating class at Merrimack College in 1951. He started law school at Boston College before interrupting his studies to enlist in the Army’s Counter Intelligence Corps in September 1952. Upon his return from service in Germany during the Korean War in August 1954, he completed his law degree at Suffolk University Law School. He was sworn into the Massachusetts Bar in 1959 and followed his passion of helping others through the practice of law for an amazing 56 years, retiring at 86 years old. He will be remembered for his empathetic approach to serving his clients, especially those who could not afford his services.
He always felt a close connection to boyhood memories in Brooklyn and visited there often as a youth. His personal hero was Jackie Robinson, and he reminded anyone who would listen that he saw him play. He was an avid reader and Boston sports fan.
He was an active member of both the Lawrence Lions Club and Lawrence Elks Club, contributing to their respective charitable efforts and in various leadership roles for almost his entire adult life. James also served as the first and only board president of American Training, Inc. located currently in Andover, MA since its founding in 1979.
James was the son of a blue-collar laborer, James M. Hajjar, and seamstress, Victoria Hajjar, and is survived by his younger brother, Robert F. Hajjar, a dentist. He was especially proud that he and his brother achieved such high levels of education for the first time in the family’s history.
He is also survived by his three children, Todd Johnson (and wife Andree of Methuen, MA), Amy Perreault (and husband Steve of Plaistow, NH), and Lynne Hajjar (of Burlington, MA). He also was the proud grandfather of Monica Morancy (and husband Brian), Adam Johnson (and wife Juliana), Nick and Maiya Perreault, and two great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday January 22, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Church, 144 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA (a side entrance with no stairs is located on Fayette Street). Visitation will be held at the church from 10AM to 11AM, followed by a Mass at 11AM. Burial will be held privately at a later date.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in James’ memory to American Training Inc., a non-profit organization providing specialized support and housing to people with disabilities located at 6 Campanelli Drive, Andover, MA 01810.