James Tolland

James T. Tolland, formerly of Natick, died in Tucson, Arizona on February 10, 2013. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary P. Tolland and is survived by his daughters, Joan (Tolland) Foley, Mary (Tolland) Divis both of Massachusetts, his son, James Tolland of Tacoma, Washington, 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Fred Tolland of Green Valley, Arizona. Born in 1926 and raised in Hyde Park Massachusetts, Jim moved to Natick in 1954. A decorated veteran of WWII, Jim served with distinction in European theater with the 10th Mountain Division. Longtime residents of Sherborn will remember him as a manager at McArthurs Market, where he known for his quick wit, even quicker smile and as a member of the Sherborn volunteer Fire Department. Jim returned to school and in 1973 graduated from Framingham State College with a degree in Education. He was a pioneer in the field of special education at Arlington High School where he taught for over two decades. After a trip to Tucson, Jim fell in love with quiet beauty of the desert, the balmy climate and the easy pace of western life. In 2008 he and his wife, Mary, retired there. Jim enjoyed exploring different locales in Arizona but was particularly fond of the Desert Museum only a few miles from his home. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated for James Tolland on Thursday, February 14th at the Most Holy Trinity Church in Tucson, Arizona. If so desired, friends and former students may make donations in his name to The Wounded Warrior Project.