James V. Shea, Jr., age 82, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, MA.
Born in Medford, MA on April 11, 1943, Jim was the son of the late James Vincent Shea Sr. and Anastasia Irene (Connolly) Shea. Over the years he made his home in Medford, Billerica, The Villages (FL), and Nashua (NH), carrying with him a quick wit, and deep devotion to the friends and family he loved.
Jim built a long and respected career in the supermarket and meat industry, working with Star Market, DeMoulas, Agar Supply, and FB Packing. He was known for his strong work ethic, steady presence, and the friendships he formed along the way.
He was predeceased by his dear siblings Joan Ricca, Tom Shea Sr. and Paul Shea and beloved wife, Kathleen Elizabeth (MacRae), who passed in 2019. Their marriage was a true partnership, and he carried her memory with him every day.
Jim leaves behind a family who adored him: his daughter Kristen (Shea) Calnan of Chelmsford; his sons Michael and his wife Sandy of Billerica, Daniel and his wife Gina of North Chelmsford, and James III of Brookfield; and his brother David Edwin Shea and Kathy Corcoran of The Villages, FL along with many nieces, and nephews. He was a proud and loving Grampa to Patrick Calnan his wife Ashley, Matthew Calnan, Sarah Calnan, and Jacob Galvin, and a delighted Great-Grampa to little Logan. His family was his world, and he took great joy in every milestone, visit, and shared laugh. Jim was an avid sports fan, closely following his Bruins and proudly holding Patriots season tickets for 40 years. In retirement, he was dedicated to golf and celebrated his first hole in one on his 75th birthday—although, much like his swing, it wasn’t pretty.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 12–3pm at Tree House 1880 Main St Tewksbury, Ma. Relatives and friends are warmly invited to join in honoring Jim’s life and legacy.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of James V Shea Jr. may be made to Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute in support of lung cancer research. Gifts can be made online at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate or mailed to the MGH Development Office, Attention: Kasey Ahern 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114. Checks can be made payable to Massachusetts General Hospital, with “tribute to James V Shea Jr.” in the memo line.
Born in Medford, MA on April 11, 1943, Jim was the son of the late James Vincent Shea Sr. and Anastasia Irene (Connolly) Shea. Over the years he made his home in Medford, Billerica, The Villages (FL), and Nashua (NH), carrying with him a quick wit, and deep devotion to the friends and family he loved.
Jim built a long and respected career in the supermarket and meat industry, working with Star Market, DeMoulas, Agar Supply, and FB Packing. He was known for his strong work ethic, steady presence, and the friendships he formed along the way.
He was predeceased by his dear siblings Joan Ricca, Tom Shea Sr. and Paul Shea and beloved wife, Kathleen Elizabeth (MacRae), who passed in 2019. Their marriage was a true partnership, and he carried her memory with him every day.
Jim leaves behind a family who adored him: his daughter Kristen (Shea) Calnan of Chelmsford; his sons Michael and his wife Sandy of Billerica, Daniel and his wife Gina of North Chelmsford, and James III of Brookfield; and his brother David Edwin Shea and Kathy Corcoran of The Villages, FL along with many nieces, and nephews. He was a proud and loving Grampa to Patrick Calnan his wife Ashley, Matthew Calnan, Sarah Calnan, and Jacob Galvin, and a delighted Great-Grampa to little Logan. His family was his world, and he took great joy in every milestone, visit, and shared laugh. Jim was an avid sports fan, closely following his Bruins and proudly holding Patriots season tickets for 40 years. In retirement, he was dedicated to golf and celebrated his first hole in one on his 75th birthday—although, much like his swing, it wasn’t pretty.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 12–3pm at Tree House 1880 Main St Tewksbury, Ma. Relatives and friends are warmly invited to join in honoring Jim’s life and legacy.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of James V Shea Jr. may be made to Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute in support of lung cancer research. Gifts can be made online at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate or mailed to the MGH Development Office, Attention: Kasey Ahern 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114. Checks can be made payable to Massachusetts General Hospital, with “tribute to James V Shea Jr.” in the memo line.
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