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James Peckham Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Peckham
Kevin Dowty
December 4, 2024
Attended his wrestling camp in the summer of 1990. Lessons learned there have had an impact until this day. Glad I got to experience a little bit of his awesome.
Carl Buck
August 18, 2023
Best person I had the privilege to know.
Brian
May 14, 2023
Didn't know the man found out that he's member of my family tree on the Peckham side, he certainly has the Peckham look, his parents were my Great Great Granddad kids what a small world not surprising his background the Peckham's were tough bunch
Craig Kosinski
November 21, 2011
"The Great Worrier from the East has long since arisen", Coach Peckham was a special man, unique in many ways. He will live on in many of us forever. I know that I have passed on many of the lessons he taught me. I take great pride in having been coached by Coach Peckham, Thank you for everything!
September 22, 2011
Thank you Coach for all you gave to us. Surely you spent a lifetime giving, a rare quality indeed. Unlike so many of us that seek solely to enrich ourselves and are lesser people for it.
You are a man many admire in part because you selflessly gave it all back. You were a man's man in a world looking for real men. You were a man who "walked the walk", not merely just bold talk.
I'll probably never know the full extent of just what to credit to you in my life, as I believe it's kind of woven into the fabric of my life.
Thank you
Mitch Murray Brockton Wrestling 1975
September 1, 2011
To Mrs. Peckam, Matt, Diane and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of this Great Man. I have known Jim since the early 1960's, when I would seek out his coaching at the Union. Jim was so special...a great motivator and a source of so much wrestling knowledge. We were so proud that he was the featured speaker at Chelmsdford HS's Wrestling Banquet in 1979. Our wrestlers attended his camp. He was the Rock of Massachusetts Wrestling and a truly wonderful man who made the world a better place. May God bless you all.
Randy Whitehead
Brad Wellock
August 31, 2011
Mrs. Peckham, Diana and Matt: I was traveling with my family in Chicago last week and only yesterday heard about Mr. Peckham’s death and the wonderful memorial service. If I had known, I surely would have attended. Mr. Peckham was kind, honest and always friendly. I respected him very much.
With deepest sympathy,
Todd Shapiro
August 28, 2011
To Mrs. Peckham and family my deepest condolences:
Coach was my AD and fraternity advisor @ Emerson College during the early 90’s. I know I can speak for decades of Rho Delta Omega brothers when I say Coach was one of the most positive influences in our lives. The annual trip to the Peckham home in NH was always a highlight of the college year. Coach imparted so many life lessons to us with his amazing story telling skills. He always talked to us like the men would be become, not the frat boys we were.
My Junior year I qualified late for work-study. With most of the campus jobs already assigned, I turned to Coach for help. He immediately got me a job in the Charlesgate gym. For that act alone, I could be eternally grateful. But Coach meant so much more to me, to RDO, to Emerson, to the wrestling world; it’s hard to even put into words his impact.
Rest in peace Coach and thank you.
August 28, 2011
My Deepest Condolensces to the entire Peckham Family. At the YMC Union Jim would call out from the mat..."come on, let's do some push/pull...get a real work out, those weights don't push back".
Jim's motivation, toughness, yes compassion, will be carried all fellow mat enthusiasts...who used his crossface wisely! Jim, you're in my prayers and also for your family. Andy Wrublasky
Jeff Horwitz
August 27, 2011
I remember Coach Peckham talking about the Pan Am games in 1976 which he took the Silver. He was so angry about that match.
He was the "MAN".
A tough guy in all senses.
I remember him coaching me at some gym near the combat zone, cant remember the name, right near Boylston T stop. He would work us and I would walk out of there wishing someone would try and mug me.
He built that kind of confidence in people.
Rest in Peace Coach and I am glad I had the honor to meet you.
Jan Ouillette Drinkwater
August 27, 2011
Dear Jean, Diana and Matt-our families go way back starting in Braintree. Your Dad was always a great influence to so many people- I always remember him feeding us green peppers when I stayed over you house. Such a wonderful man. My step grandson is very much into wrestling and doing well at xaverian H.S and I always think of Jim when I watch his matches.I'm so sorry I could not make his wake or funeral; I was down the cape but my thoughts were with you all.I wish you all the best memories that stay forever in your hearts. With Love;
Janice Moriarty (Sheehan)
August 27, 2011
As a child I have the pleasure of growing up in a great family neighborhood. The families who lived there made it a special place. Mr. Peckham was a great man who allowed all the kids in the neighborhood to play on the gym mats and listen to the player piano downstairs. We appreciated the fun times we had there and enjoyed chasing each other around his backyard gardens and the grapevines on the rocks playing Hide-n-Go Seek!Thanks for making our childhood memorable!
Kenneth Powers
August 27, 2011
My first experience with Jim Peckham showed much of what makes this man. I had just moved to a new neighborhood and was walking up the street when a booming voice announced that I should come over. An imposing man was laboring with a pry bar to move a boulder from his developing organic garden. Jim was organic before it became mainstream. He stood there in gym shorts and athletic shoes pouring sweat. After introductions, I received a lesson in Shakespeare and then a philosophical discourse on how it applies to modern life and a strong hands on message about the importance of exercise to a young person's physical ,mental and spiritual development. By this I mean he grabbed my hands and put me through some sort of workout involving stretching and grappling which I have never actually figured out. I was totally winded. In the ensuing years, I dug up many rocks from the garden while listening to excerpts from Descartes to Lao Tzu. I also took many trips through the "combat zone" on way to the famous Boston YMCUnion. My fellow wrestlers and I felt invincible with Jim, even in that environment. We just figured that if anyone messed with us, Jim would just give him "the look" with the one slightly squinting eye that said "Don't even think about it". We would wrestle against all sorts of opponents and if Jim felt anyone did not get a good enough workout, he would put him through the wringer. Thanks,Jim. We loved it. Beyond my parents, Jim was one of the most influential people I ever met. He taught all of us a great deal of what it means to be a man and more importantly,what it takes to be a good person. If you met Jim Peckham, you became a better human for the experience. I feel fortunate to have had him for a friend.
Anne (McMillan) Kanies
August 27, 2011
With deepest sympathy to Diana and the Peckham family. May these few words express sincere sympathy to you at this difficult time.
Dan Ornato
August 27, 2011
"Earning the right to win" Coach Peckham had wrestling camps out of his garage in the late 70's. "The one Arm Supplex" Thank you for all that you did! RIP Will never be forgotten.
Dan Ornato
August 27, 2011
"Earning the right to win" Coach Peckham had wrestling camps out of his garage in the late 70's. "The one Arm Supplex" Thank you for all that you did! RIP Will never be forgotten.
Dan Ornato
Carl Buck
August 26, 2011
And how many of you had the privelege of having a "full Duke" taping job "applied" by Coach? I damaged my ACL (before MRI's)in practrice one day (Emerson)and shrugged it off, only to have excruciating pain and very limited left leg movement soon thereafter. But Coach taped me up and out I went to complete the season, taped from ankle to thigh. He called it a "full Duke." Years later I found out that I had "lost" part of my ACL, had to be that damn practice in 1965.
I was not a good wrestler, but Coach instilled in me the willingness and desire to compete and really compete!
From Emerson to a semi-pro basball player and coach to a PSIA certified ski instructor all accomplished because Coach believed in me. It was about him and not about me.
To Jean and the rest of the Peckham family my deep condolences.
Carl Buck - Emerson class of 66 and 69.
Peter Folan
August 26, 2011
One of the highlights of wrestling at Boston College was when Coach Peckham would address the team. His words were inspirational and impacted me for years to come. It was a honor to have been around such a wonderful human being.
You will be missed.
August 26, 2011
I echo Chris O'Callahan's thoughts. Watching how Coach lived his convictions was the greatest lesson of all. "Earning the right to win", is a phrase I often used as a coach and a father. He is one man who earned everything that came his way, including the respect and admiration of anyone he encountered. His spirit and all that he was lives on in each of us fortunate enough to know him.
Marc Douthit
August 26, 2011
First meeting--A detailed explanation about the historic tradition of wrestling on the African continent and how the character of the "Wrestler" in the movie "Roots" was an historic depiction of that tradition is not exactly the conversation I was expecting to have when I met Coach for the first time. After 45 minutes, I knew this man was different.
I was also not expecting a motivational speech about honor, duty and courage. I was just trying to figure out if I was going to be able to play Basketball at Emerson. After 4 years of getting to know Coach, that first conversation was just the beginning.
He literally changed my life and I am a better man for having had the privilege to know him and call him my friend. That first conversation convinced me that Emerson was the place for me.
He was a complex man who lived life with a simplicity of purpose and genuineness of character. From sitting in the stands with tears in his eyes after watching the Men's Basketball Team pull off a triple overtime victory; to telling the story of how he and several of his wrestlers came to the college's "rescue" when students took over the President's Office in 1969; to motivating a student who he thought was loafing to do better and be better, Coach was the real deal.
A few years ago he met my wife for the first time and he looked me in the eye and said "you really outkicked the coverage on this one". He then said that it was a good thing guys like us sometimes get better women than we deserve. It was over 50 years that he and his beloved Jeannie had been together and he still felt like he was the luckiest man on earth.
After I graduated he saw me one day and told me to come by the office. When I saw him he handed me my basketball jersey and told me to keep it. I asked him why he was giving it to me and he told me that he thought I had wore it with honor and recounts that first "roots" conversation. To this day I have never been given a greater compliment.
To the Peckham family my thoughts and prayers are with you. Coach, Thank you.
Tim Corcoran
August 25, 2011
Jim Peckham was an amazing man. It wasn't until after I graduated from Emerson did I realize what an honor it was to have known such an awesome man. He was a man with incredible conviction, iideal moral standards, compassion and great love for his fellow man. If I had the opportunity in life and God allowed me to pick a role model it would've been James Peckham...You will be missed by so many Coach...May God bless you and bring peace to your family at this trying time. TIm Corcoran, Emerson Grad 1987
thomas blair
August 25, 2011
To Mrs P.,Diana & Matt,
Coach's memories will stay with me forever. He was more then a coach and a mentor , he was a very good friend and father to alot of wrestlers - me included.
I could write all types of stories about coach but a couple speacial ones come to mind.
He took me into his family as a young wrestler going into college wrestling at one of his camps at his & Jean,s home. "Earning the right to win" and climbing the rope in the back yard and working out in his garage.
The other story was a time when Matt had to get back to college in New York and I was heading back to Vermont from college in Boston. The coach convince me (which was not hard for coach) to make the side trip to New York city. It was a great ride talking to Matt all the way and learning so much more about his dad. Coach you may be gone but you will nver be forgoten.
My prayers goes out to all of you.
jonathan satriale
August 25, 2011
Mrs. Peckham and the Peckham family,
Please accept my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you now. All the Emerson College alumni Coach interacted with are thinking about you and him now.
Coach,
Thank you for all the life lessons and inspiration you provided us. You will always be one of the great pillars of Emerson.
Michael Connor
August 25, 2011
I am looking @ a picture of 4 young Emerson wrestlers celebrating a New England Greco Roman championship. That's how I'm going to remember Coach. In celebration that we shared a road together for a period of time. I learned about doing my best & making investments in myself. Thank You James Peckham . I will miss you. But every time I step into a wrestling room you will be in my thoughts.
David Breslin
August 25, 2011
They don't make guys like Coach Peckham, anymore. He was one of a kind. A true legend. I played hockey, at Emerson, in the early eighties, when Coach was the A.D. and his very cool wife, Jean, helped him run the athletic office. They were about the nicest couple any of us had ever met. They both seemed to really love what they did. And it seemed like they would do anything if they thought it would help the students who came through their department.
One time, after I got into a little jam with some of the MIT frat boys who lived next to our Beacon Street dorm, the student council wanted to make an example of me by trying to bounce me out of campus housing. Coach Peckham heard about it and came to my defense as a character witness. Suffice to say that my place in the dorms was safe, after Coach Peckham spoke at my student council hearing. Nobody messed with Coach Peckham.
It wasn't just because his powerful physical presence commanded such respect. It was because he was one of that very rare breed of classic guys who balanced his "tough as nails" persona with the proverbial "heart of gold." The term "renaissance man" (which i consider to be about as high a compliment as a guy can be given) comes to mind.
The world is a much lesser place without the great Coach Peckham.
My sincere sympathies to Jean, and the rest of Coach's family and friends.
August 25, 2011
Dear Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy. I got a wonderful academic education at Emerson, but I learned life lessons, "earning the right", graciousness and humility in the Athletic Office. Although never an athlete, I had the privilege to work for Coach and see how he worked his magic on those young athletes..lessons both on and off the mat. Coach was an extraordinary man and a real gift in my life. He will be sorely missed. Our love to you ,
Marlene (Class "71) and Jeff Bergart
Mike Testa
August 25, 2011
A coach, mentor and friend. He influenced me in ways I can not even begin to tell. Mrs P., Matt and Diane, I am sorrowful for your loss but you always shared him with all of us and I thank you all. Love you Coach!
Tom Carlin
August 25, 2011
Dear Peckham Family,
You may not recall all of the wrestlers that stayed at your home in the late 1970's to be coached by Coach Peckham, but I remember you all with great fondness for passing on to us not only Jim's mastery of wrestling, but a view on life that became enduring. Jim's outlook on life took on a life of it's own with me. He inspired us with a quote "What I had I gave. What I saved, I lost forever." Of course, Jim was talking of giving your all on the wrestling mat, but as young men, how could we not bring that with us for the rest of our lives? Thanks Coach.
Chris O'Callahan
August 25, 2011
Like seeing the Grand Canyon or the Northern Lights, words simply cannot relay their incredible beauty nor can our words define what a special man Jim was. To have known him is to have been touched by him . Second hand recapitulation will not do. A magnificent man who made all who knew him strive always " To earn the right to win". Thank You Jim for all you brought to me. I will love you forever.
Chris O'Callahan
August 25, 2011
Great story - Great man
Dick Leonard, Cos Cob, CT
Mike Latessa
August 25, 2011
Thank you Coach Peckham for your generous time, talent and patience. It made us better wrestlers and better people.
Mike, Bob and Brian Latessa
Myron Allukian Jr.
August 25, 2011
My great friend for over 55 years Jimmy Peckham was one of a kind.
Jimmy was not one you'd want to tangle with on the mat, unless you enjoyed being in pain. He was a great wrestler, athlete, teacher, coach, motivator, and role model
for thousands of youth in the US and in many other countries where he was revered for his knowledge and skills, especially the Soviet Union which always used to have one of the toughest teams in the world. Wednesday nights was the big night at the BYMCU when wrestlers and coaches would come in from all over the US to learn from Jimmy and work out. After we would go to Jake's for some liquid refreshment and Jimmy would have lentil soup
Jimmy helped marry my wife and I with a priest and minister, he spoke at my father's 100th birthday, and our oldest son had the privilege of living with him and Jean for a week, two times, attending their home wrestling camp, where my son really learned how to do a cross face.
Jimmy was a guest lecturer in my classes at Harvard and Tufts Dental schools as well as Forsyth for many years, helping teach students about fluoridation.
His lectures were always ranked #1 by the students in their yearly evaluations.
We'll miss him dearly...........
Myron Allukian Jr. DDS MPH
Boston, Ma.
[email protected]
Nancy Henika
August 25, 2011
Dear Mr.P, It's probably a good thing I didn't know all that wrestling stuff about you when I first started hanging out with Diana. I wouldn't want it to have kept me from one of my dearest friends. [I admit we got kinda crazy]. Thanks for the love and attention that you have given to so many of us in all your different ways. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
Beth Ahearn
August 24, 2011
To the entire Peckham family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. A great man...and will be with you forever.
Love always,
Beth Ahearn
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