James Edward mello

Obituary for James Edward Mello
James Edward Mello, 67, of Malden, Massachusetts, formerly of Danvers, passed away on March 12, 2026. Born on September 3, 1958, in Melrose, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Mello and spent most of his life in the town of Danvers, where he built lifelong friendships and deep community roots.
Jim attended St. Mary’s Annunciation School and graduated from Danvers High School, where he played hockey and football. He later continued his education at the Wentworth Institute of Technology. He became a machinist. He worked at several local machine shops and eventually worked at General Electric in Lynn, MA.
A true sportsman, James was happiest outside; fishing, hunting, and exploring the woods and waters of New England. In his younger years, he enjoyed off roading with friends, spending countless weekends navigating trails in four wheel drive trucks.
In the late 1980s, James was the co proprietor of Bodyworks Fitness Center in Rowley, a health club he helped build and operate with pride.
Around 1998 he moved from Naples, Florida to his family’s farm, known as Linebrook Farm in Ipswich where he was a stable hand, carpenter and maintenance man. During the 1990s, while living on the farm, he coached softball for the town of Ipswich, sharing his patience, humor, and love of sports with the young athletes he mentored.
James is survived by his wife, Sussana “Forrester” Mello; his stepchildren, Mel and Melissa Bowen; his older brother Joseph and his wife Gretchen; and his sister Elizabeth and sister in law Debra Mello. He was predeceased by his younger brother Robert, who passed in 2021. He also leaves behind five nephews and a niece, two grandnephews, three grandnieces and one great grandniece, all of whom he was deeply close to and who will forever cherish his steady presence, easy laugh, and the way he made each of them feel supported and understood.
James will be remembered for his loyalty, his quiet strength, and the way he found joy in simple, honest moments kayaking on the water with a fishing rod, camping at Misery Island, camping at Salisbury Beach Campground, or surrounded by family.
For those wishing to honor James life, Donations in his name can be made in his name to Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital of New England at 2 Rehabilitation Way, Woburn, MA 01801.
Celebration of life gathering for Jim at Magia’s Restaurant, 126 Newbury Street, Danvers, MA on Sunday April 19, 2026 from 12 -2 pm.