James J. Hagan, 80, of Franklin, died Sunday, June 17, 2007 at his home after a long battle with cancer. He was the husband of Mary P. (Gardner) Hagan for 46 years.
Born in Springfield on May 8, 1927, he was a son of the late Thomas and Frances (Pryor) Hagan. Mr. Hagan was a resident of Franklin for the past 46 years.
He was a graduate of Cambridge High School and before his retirement, he was a mail carrier in Chestnut Hill for the U.S. Postal Service for 29 years.
Mr. Hagan was a WWII Navy veteran serving for three years, attaining the rank of Seaman First Class and receiving the WWII Victory Medal, the American Theatre Medal, a Purple Heart and the Asiatic-Pacific Medal with 4 Bronze Stars. Two years later, he joined the US Army and served for four years during the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of Sergeant and receiving the Army of Occupation Medal, the Japan Korean Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and a Purple Heart. During his time of service, he participated in six major invasions.
Mr. Hagan was the most decorated member of the Medway VFW Post #1526 and had served as commander there from 1989-1990. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #208 in Millis and the Disabled American Veterans.
Besides his wife, he is survived by; two sons, James C. Hagan and his former wife, Lynn, both of Franklin and Harry F. Hagan and his wife, Mary Anne of Franklin, a brother, Harry Jenkins of Bellingham, two grandchildren, Alexander and Sarah Hagan and many nieces and nephews.
He was a brother of the late Dorothy Allen, Fran Madsen and Thomas “Sonny” Hagan.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Thursday, June 21 at 9:15 a.m. from the Ginley-Crowley Funeral Home 3 Barber Street in Medway followed by a funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, 151 Village Street in Medway at 10 o’clock. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Medway.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4 – 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Caritas Good Samaritan Hospice, 3 Edgewater Dr., Norwood, MA 02062.