James McNally

James Papa "Jim" McNally of Sandwich died Thursday, July 25, 2013, from a tragic accident, at the age of 61. He was the husband of Joanne (Cossette) McNally of Sandwich; and the father of James McNally and wife Iris of Centerville and Jennifer (McNally) Linkewicz and husband Mark of Forestdale. He was a dedicated and adored Papa of two beautiful grandsons, Levi and Donavon and a new grandchild due later this week. Jim was an accomplished roofing contractor for over thirty years, often times extending his services on holidays and weekends. Born in Quincy, he spent most of his days playing baseball at Labreque Field where he met his future wife and better half, Joanne. Twenty-eight years ago, he took a chance with his sweetheart and children to forge a new journey on Cape Cod. They built a home and a wonderful life where they enjoyed the best of what the Cape had to offer. Upon graduating high school, he attended Al Summers Major League Umpiring School in Daytona Beach, Fla. He was an umpire in the Boston Park League and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2002. In 1979, he was recruited by Major League Baseball to be an American League umpire, in which he relished at the opportunity. He was a dedicated servant of the International League over the past several years. He was often overheard saying after a game in Pawtucket, he felt as though he was the luckiest person alive to be given the opportunity to be standing on that field knowing where he came from. He was an umpire in the Cape Cod Baseball League for over 14 years. In many ways, the Cape League was his second family. He would never turn down the opportunity to work a game or help out in any way. He met and worked with some of the most regarded people in his life. He was also an avid beach lover and yearly traveler to the happy island of Aruba. Besides his wife, children and grandchildren, he is survived by his twin brother, Michael McNally; four sisters-in-law and their husbands and eleven nieces and nephews. Visiting hours were held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2013, in the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 154 Route 6A, in Sandwich. Funeral services in the funeral home began at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013, with burial following in Sandwich Town Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Cape Cod Baseball, Attn: the Jim McNally Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 266, Harwich Port, MA 02646. www.nickersonbournefuneralhome.com