Mr. James J. Durkin, Jr.

June 24, 1917 - January 8, 2012

James J. Durkin, Jr. Loving Father, Grandfather & Great Grandfather CHELMSFORD—James Joseph Durkin, Jr. returned to Heaven on Sunday, January 8, 2012 while surrounded by his children at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill. He was the devoted husband of his recently deceased bride of 63 years, Fran Durkin. Together, they raised their family in Chelmsford. Jim was born in Lowell, MA on June 24, 1917. He had a sister Dorothy and seven brothers, Gerald, Edward, John, Paul, Walter, Harold, and Brendan Durkin. Brendan is the lone survivor of this well known Lowell Family. Raised in the Sacred Heart Parish, he graduated from Keith Academy in 1935. Jim served our country during World War II as a Staff Sergeant in the Army Air Corps 8th Air Force at Wittisham Air Base in England. Before and after the war Jim was employed at Albert H. Notini & Sons in Lowell. He was the company’s office manager until he retired at the young age of 86. His life centered around his faith and his devotion to Mary. He attended monthly Nocturnal Hours of Devotion, frequently with his brothers, for forty-two years. The Miraculous Medal his Mother gave him when he entered the service stayed around his neck for his lifetime. Jim raised his family in the parish of St. Mary in Chelmsford for more than fifty years. Jim also belonged to the B.P.O.E. Lowell Lodge of Elks Organization having recently been honored as its oldest member. His membership spanned over seventy five years. Jim relished the simple joys of living. A perfect day for him would be a day at Happy Hampton. This began with a 5-7 mile walk along the beach watching the sun come up with anyone who wanted to join him, followed by morning Mass, wading in the water and jumping the waves with as many grandchildren as possible, and ending the day with a family cook-out while tuned into his Red Sox. Jim found the love of his life, (Helen) Frances Dunn, and married her in May of 1948. They were inseparable until her passing eight weeks ago. Next to his wife, his greatest source of pride was in his children and later, his grandchildren. He would puff his chest as he boasted of any one of their accomplishments, big and small. His family includes his children, James J. Durkin, III and his wife Mary, Anne Marie Muething and her husband Dave, Frank and Martha Durkin, and Ed and Pat Durkin. He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, Colleen A. Durkin and her husband John, Jennifer A. Durkin and her husband John, James J. Durkin, IV (“J.J.”), Shawn M. Durkin, Mary Beth Chosak and her husband Andrew, Tim Muething, John Muething, Catherine Muething, Patricia Muething, Julie Bostrom and her husband Alex, Kimberly Sweeney and her husband Jon; and his great-grandchildren, Kasey Marie Bostrom, James David Chosak, and a soon to be Baby Boy Durkin. He also leaves nieces, nephews, and friends too numerous to count. Jim Durkin was a legend in his own time and touched the hearts of everyone he met. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by all. FUNERAL NOTICE DURKIN—In Haverhill, January 8, 2012 at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House. James J. Durkin, Jr., 94, beloved husband of the late Helen Frances Durkin. Family and friends may call at the FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL, on THURSDAY from 4 until 8 P.M. Mr. Durkin’s Funeral will begin on FRIDAY MORNING at 8 o’clock from the Funeral Home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 9 o’clock at ST. MARY CHURCH, 25 North Road, Chelmsford. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, N. Tewksbury. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Merrimack Valley Hospice House, c/o Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA 01843 or to St. Mary’s Church, 25 North Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 978-459-9222. www.faymccabe.com