Devoted family man James E. Sarsfield, 92, of Tewksbury, MA, and Naples, FL, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, surrounded by family.
Born in Somerville, Massachusetts on December 2, 1933 to late parents Bernard Patrick Sarsfield and Mary Francis (Welch) Sarsfield, he was raised in Cambridge and Medford, and graduated from Saint Clement School in Somerville in 1951. In 1953 Jim enlisted in the Army and served for three years in Alaska, fodder for many stories and laughs. Upon Honorable discharge, Jim earned a mechanical technology degree from Franklin Technical Institute, and in 1972, with GI Bill assistance, earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Northeastern University, attending classes at night in Boston after working all day. Jim became a longtime Quality Control engineer for Avco Industries, later Textron, in Wilmington.
After meeting on a blind date in 1956, Jim married his one and only, Kathleen (Bsharah) Sarsfield in 1959, and raised their four children in Malden and then in Tewksbury. Jim was active in the youth hockey community and a local hero for the ice rink he built and maintained in his back yard. An avid fisherman, bass in particular, he was happiest on the water, be it the Nashua River, Shawsheen or Joppa Flats. Jim took great pride in teaching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren how to fish.
Jim enjoyed walks in nature and loved to watch the birds. Travels with family ranged from beaches to Badlands, visiting family and friends, in particular Kathy’s Mom and family in Rapid City, South Dakota. Long rides were never boring with the jokester and storyteller at the wheel.
Jim documented his life to an unusual degree. He was an early adopter of an 8mm movie camera (with industrial strength light blinding all in range) and became the chronicler the lives of all around him; and even wrote his autobiography.
Jim and Kathy socialized with many friends - who they fiercely competed with at card and lawn games. Laughter was always heard at home. Jim was known for his unique, sometimes sarcastic, humor; his specialty was physical humor and pranks. Respect, loyalty, kindness and generosity were values he taught his children by his example.
In addition to Kathleen, Jim is survived by their four children; Linda O'Connell and husband John, of Andover, MA; Anne of Jericho, VT; Michael and wife Lisa, of Brooklyn, NY; and David and wife Susan, of Taunton, MA; as well as grandchildren Elizabeth and husband Chad Cossette with great grandchildren Hannah and Jack; grandchildren Erik, Chris, Michael, Alyssa, Aaron, James, and Arianna and husband, Logan. We’ll miss you, Papa.
Jim was preceded in death by granddaughter Katarina "Nina" Furtado, sister Margaret (Peggy) Steel and brothers Bernard, Edward, Damien (Paul), and William.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m, at the Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876. A funeral mass will be offered at 12:30 p.m. at St. Dorothy's Church, 11 Hardnen Street, Wilmington, followed by military honors of recognition.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s memory to the Nashua River Watershed Association, 592 Main Street, Groton, MA 01450, www.nashuariverwatershed.org.
Please visit www.tewksburyfuneralhome.com to send the family a message of condolence or to join the funeral service live via https://www.facebook.com/tewksburyfuneralhome/live_videos
Click here for streaming