James William McDEVITT

McDEVITT, James William Sr. Of Lexington, MA, died at home peacefully of natural causes on February 26, 2023. He was 93 years old.

Jim was born in Brighton, MA, to Thomas Qualey McDevitt and Esther McDevitt, the youngest of five children. He is survived by the love of his life, Elizabeth Fahey McDevitt, his wife of 60 years.

Jim is also survived by three children, James, Jr. and his wife, Susan of Pepperell, MA, Maureen and her husband, Richard Suitter of Woburn, MA, and Susan and her husband, Steven King of Washington D.C. Jim and Elizabeth have six treasured grandchildren, Trevor Brightman, Tess and James McDevitt, III, Blake Suitter, and Ryan and Audrey King. Trevor and his wife, Jamie recently gave Jim and Elizabeth the gift of a great-grandson, Winston who joins Jamie's son, Charlie.

Jim was predeceased by his father, Thomas Qualey McDevitt; mother, Esther; his brother, Thomas Qualey McDevitt; and sisters, Rita Mason, Jean Boudreau, and Margaret (Peg) Valenti.

Jim enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Korean Conflict with the 82nd Airborne Division. He attained the rank of Sergeant and received several decorations including the Bronze Service Star.

After attending Boston College, he enjoyed a successful career as a Business Manager in Boston and Worcester, primarily in the automobile parking industry. This was followed by semi-retirement and a job he truly enjoyed at the Lexington Center public parking lot where he was a beloved local fixture for many years.

Upon his marriage to Elizabeth in 1963, they purchased their first home together in Lexington, MA, where he lived the remainder of his life. Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed playing golf with his lifelong friends from Somerville. Once, he even got a Hole-in-One! He also enjoyed vacationing with his family every summer at Newfound Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee, where he visited with his family, beginning in the 1930s.

Jim had a lifelong passion for woodworking. He often gave beautiful pieces as gifts to friends of the family. He volunteered with the Lexington Theatre Company working on set construction. Jim maintained a vegetable garden and a beautiful yard at home that he was very proud of. A great joy to him was teaching his children and grandchildren how to play poker and how to fish at Horn Pond in Woburn, the same spot his own father fished.

Jim always held out hope for the Red Sox, watching every summer weekend on the black and white TV. He was thrilled when they finally won the World Series in 2004. Later in his life, he had the special opportunity to make a real difference in many people's lives. Our dad was everyone's friend and will be dearly missed.

Jim's Wake will be held on Tuesday, March 7, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Douglass Funeral Home in LEXINGTON. A Remembrance Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, March 8, also at Douglass, followed by a Military Burial Service at St. Joseph's Cemetery in West Roxbury, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org or 855-448-3997. Douglass/Customer logo