James J. Mcdermott Jr.

James  J. McDermott Jr., age 82, of Yarmouthport, formerly a longtime resident of Stoneham passed away peacefully at home, October 29, 2018.  He was the cherished husband of Catherine (Martel)  McDermott.  Born in Woburn and raised in Stoneham, he was the son of the late James and Mary Elizabeth “Mae”(Morgan) McDermott.

James was a graduate of Stoneham High School, class of 1953.  Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corp. and served in Japan during the mid 1950’s.  Throughout his life, he was proud of his Marine Corp Heritage.

James was all about service, both to his country and his community.  After his military service, he continued to serve his community by joining the Stoneham Fire Department.  He fought fires alongside his father.  James attained the rank of Captain S.F.D., promoted from Private to Captain, and at the time, the youngest firefighter in the State to ever do so.   He remained in the Stoneham Fire Dept. until 1990, when he retired.

During his youth, Stoneham was known as a “Hockey Town” and James was the goalie (red light) for the Stoneham High School Hockey Team that won the Greater Boston League title in 1953.  Later, he, along with his  hockey teammates, were inducted into the SHS Hall of Fame.  As a parent, he coached many Stoneham Youth Sports Teams, most memorable was the Youth Hockey Team.

He spent his retirement years with his beloved wife Cathy, with whom he had proudly shared 62 years of marriage.   While continuing to serve his community, James was on the Stoneham Retirement Board for 22 years.  He was a strong advocate for all town employees, both union and non-union alike.  He and Catherine later relocated to the Cape where they could enjoy playing golf year round.

They felt blessed with having many friends over the years, both in Stoneham and on the Cape.  “Jim Rounded the Turn with great dignity and courage as he headed for God’s Clubhouse.  He will be sorely missed by his friends and family, especially his devoted wife who nurtured him all her life until he passed.  KBZ954 To base the fire is out.”

He was the father of James Joseph McDermott III, Thomas McDermott and his wife Donna, Corinne Shea and her husband John, and Richard McDermott; the grandfather of Kelley McDermott, James J. McDermott IV, Devin McDermott, Jack Shea, Ryan McDermott and Cole Shea and great grandfather of Miguel and Maya Principe. He was the brother of Billy McDermott, Midge Bullpet, Nancy Roundtree, Patty Emond and Roseann Sullivan.

Funeral from the Anderson-Bryant Funeral Home, 4 Common St., Stoneham, Saturday, November 3 ^rd at 9 A.M., followed by a funeral mass in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham at 10 A.M.   Visitation at the funeral home on Friday, 4-8 P.M.   In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Stoneham High School Hall of Fame.