James Louis Duphily
James Louis Duphily
Obituary
Guest Book
James Duphily Obituary
James leaves his parents Louis and Nancy Duphily of Ashburnham, his brother Daniel (Amanda) Duphily of Scituate, MA.; sister Amanda (Jesse) Brown of New Salem, MA; brother Brian Duphily and his fiancée Leah Bovenzi of Somerville, MA.; nephews Patrick and Quinlan Duphily; nieces Anna and Emily Brown and Molly Duphily. James loved his large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well. At the time of his death, James was an attorney for Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers in Boston.
James graduated from Oakmont Regional High School in 2007, and attended Washington and Jefferson University in Washington, Pennsylvania, where he played soccer for four years. After college graduation, he attended Roger Williams University School of Law in Bristol, Rhode Island. He passed the Bar exam in NH and MA. (on the first try!). As a court-appointed criminal attorney in Massachusetts for several years, he transitioned into the civil realm by representing employees in Workers Compensation cases.
James was surrounded by a large and loving extended family. He was a very smart, funny and quick-witted guy who made friends easily. He loved camping, hiking, the ocean, scary movies, all of the holidays, and continually pranking his nieces and nephews. James described himself to new friends as someone who came from a small rural town in Massachusetts, raised by a nurse and mechanical engineer who instilled the values of family, hard work, self-reliance, and education to their three sons and daughter. He grew up working on cars and tractors, cutting and stacking wood, sharing cooking duties and home repair projects, and doing his own laundry.
Passionate about bringing quality legal representation to vulnerable members of society, James described his personal struggles as fostering his ability to empathize deeply with segments of the population who deal with addiction and lack of access to effective legal resources. James was an active member of his community with volunteer work that enabled him to see first-hand how much citizens struggle in the justice system.
Our son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend James Louis Duphily will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives he touched. He left us much too early and would tell you to show gratitude for your loved ones. Hug them daily.
James loved animals. Please consider adopting a rescue dog from your local shelter
Sterling Animal Shelter
www.sterlingshelter.org
17 Laurelwood Rd, Sterling, MA 01564
Power Forward, Inc.
Fighting addiction through education, empowerment, and innovation.
https://www.powerforward25.com/
3 Webster Square PMB #465. Marshfield, MA 02050
Services for James will take place at 11 am Monday November 11, 2024 at the St. Denis Cemetery on Kelton Road in Ashburnham. Following the service, a celebration of his life will take place at the Duphily home: 20 Russell Hill Road, Ashburnham, MA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jocelyn Brown
October 20, 2025
I look at James´ picture on my fridge everyday, and still find it hard to comprehend that he´s not here. A year is forever and no time at all.
Karen Hanley
October 19, 2025
Thinking of you all on the one year anniversary tomorrow of James´s passing. He´ll forever be missed and never forgotten!
Nancy Duphily
October 19, 2025
One year anniversary of James´ passing
We miss you!
Love from the Family
Julie Brown-Nierman
October 19, 2025
I am thinking of you all as the one year anniversary approaches. I can imagine it feels like so long without seeing him & talking with him, and yet his passing feels like visceral sadness.
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Uncle Dale and Aunt Carol
June 19, 2025
We miss you every single day and night. We are so grateful that we got to see you July 4 th in our backyard. I can still feel the bear hug you gave me! We pray that you look down on your family and friends and let them know that you are okay. I bet Grandma Hinch made you a birthday cake ( with a hole in the middle) and Grandma Duphily made you a big bowl of her famous chowder. Miss you and love you forever
George Hanley
November 10, 2024
I remember James and Brian from hilarious kids to great adults. I feel especially bad for Brian losing what seemed liked a twin brother. I always appreciated how James would always play with my kid´s then have nice conversations when my kids grew up. My kids &I look back fondly on those times. I would often think of James when my kids would come down for the day wearing random Ashburnham/Fitchburg sports shirts. I will miss you man.
George Hankey
November 10, 2024
I remember fondly James & Brian growing from babies to great adults. Hard to separate the two brothers. I am extra sad thinking of Brian losing almost his almost twin. I loved how nice James was to my kids. From my kids young years thru growing into adults , James always made time to play & then talk to my kids at every party. I thought of James often when my kids would wear random hand me down Ashburn & Fitchburg soccer t-shirts. I´ll mis you man.
Annie Bresnahan
November 10, 2024
To Nancy and family. Hugs, love and prayers. I am so sorry.
Scott Phelps and family
November 9, 2024
Scott Phelps and family:
I can´t describe how saddened I am to hear of your loss and for your family. You all have such a special place in my heart, from all the times I spent growing up. From sledding, wiffle ball games, outdoor forts and indoor forts with pillows, sleepovers, times at Naukeag Lake, jumping out of a burning truck, playing above the barn, cookouts and fires and so much more. I will continue to pray that God wraps His arms around each of yuh for peace and comfort. Sending my love and prayers and I love y´all very much.
Steven Bowler
November 8, 2024
Sending prayers and love to you all. I remember the old house up by Oakmont when we use to "help" Amamda babysit the boys. They were always great kids and I did get to see James a few times over the years as adults. He had such a good presence and was always fun to be around. He was a true testament to the Duphily family who all have been so great to myself and our group of friends over the years.
With love,
Bowler
Aislinn Hanley
November 4, 2024
I was deeply saddened to hear about James' passing. Some of my earliest memories are of playing with him and the other older cousins during family get-togethers. Seeing him this past summer brought back so many good times. My thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Nancy, Louie, Dan, Amanda, Brian, and all your families. James will be missed, and you´re all in my thoughts.
Robin Gravel
November 3, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with you, sending love and prayers
Jen Malcolm-Brown
November 2, 2024
Sending love to all the Duphilys. I´m keeping you all close in my heart
Jocelyn Brown
November 1, 2024
I´ve been reminiscing on the days that I used to "babysit" James when I was 13 and he was 10. We essentially played together and had so much fun, he and Brian felt like younger siblings at the time which was really special for me as the youngest in my own family. Years later James continued to be a friend who was always easy to be around and even easier to talk to regardless of the years between visits. I will always be grateful I was able to spend one more day with him at Anna´s birthday this year. He gushed about his dog and as usual, had real things to say about life. Nothing ever felt fake or on the surface with him. That is such a rare quality... He will be missed dearly
Keri Hanley
November 1, 2024
I first met James when he was a rambunctious, hilarious 5 year old! He was such a sweet kid and always took a moment to have a word with me at every family gathering. We are so incredibly saddened to hear of James' passing. The world has lost a good soul. Nancy, Louie, Dan, Amanda, Brian and all of your families- my heart is with you and I have thought of you all and James daily. All my love to you all.
Karen Hanley
November 1, 2024
Intelligent, witty, kind and loving with a smile that would light up any room, that's how I'll remember our James. James loved his work helping those less fortunate- a testament to the caring, genuine person his was. But his deepest love was for his family. I last saw James this summer at a family get together and all of us could tell how happy he was to be there, I'll cherish that day. He'll be forever in my heart.
Dale and Carol Evans
October 31, 2024
We are saddened to hear the passing of our nephew, James, and we are heartbroken for those he has left behind. James was a kind, funny and loving person with the brightest smile and a knack for making people laugh. But most of all, he will be remembered for his love of family and his dedication to helping those who were unable to help themselves. The last time we saw James was at our July 4th picnic, and we were so happy to see him. He hugged us all - we will always remember those hugs.
Sarah Evans
October 31, 2024
I met James when he was 10 years old. I remember him and Brian giggling together during the family holiday gatherings, playing with their older cousins, and making the adults laugh. James grew up to be empathetic and kind, looking out for those who struggled. The world will miss him. My deepest condolences go out to the Duphily family.
Tom, Kristen, Kate, Leah & Meg
October 31, 2024
James, our charismatic, fun loving cousin, it´s even more special now that we saw you this summer. You will be missed, and we all have a guardian angel watching over us. Sending love and strength to your family
Julie Brown-Nierman
October 30, 2024
I had the pleasure of seeing James recently at a family gathering. I remember thinking that he had such an easy smile. Very charismatic fellow. He was chatting with everyone and then made a point to turn his attention towards his niece Emily as she sat down next to him and ask her things that were of interest to her. James is so deeply loved and cherished and will be forever missed.
Gina Leary
October 29, 2024
James was an unforgettable presence in my growing up, being that Amanda was one of my besties. The adorable duo of James and Brian are forever etched in my memories.
As life moves forward and paths take us different ways, I did not have the pleasure of truly knowing the adult James. But in those scattered opportunities over the years to chat with him, kindness, laughter, and that endearing smile which brightened the room were always at the forefront.
My heart breaks for your entire family as this void is left behind. My family and I continue to pray for peace, strength and comfort as you all process and navigate the tragic loss of your James.
And even though his time here was cut way too short and the missing him will be agonizing, I pray for a remembrance of how many lives James touched with a lasting impact. That this lifts up your family and floods your hearts with joy, especially on the harder days.
My love goes out to all of you.
Paul Evans
October 29, 2024
This past summer my kids had the luxury of seeing and talking to James as adults for the first time. His smile and open demeanor made them feel at home. It was like they had been best of friends for years. During the ride home we talked about his accomplishments and found articles about what he has done for the community and peers! I'm so very proud to be part of this family and will always remember that Duphily smile.
todd soucy
October 29, 2024
My deepest condolences to the Duphily family. I will forever remember James as one of the younger brothers on Highland street. Running around outside in the summer as the older kids started a fire in the pit...You are all in my prayers.
Jenny Roper
October 29, 2024
It was such a privilege to work with Jimmy. He was a trusted, hard-working, and well-loved colleague and attorney. His drive was contagious. He never let a day pass where he didn't elicit a laugh at the office. We miss him dearly.
Ken Williams
October 28, 2024
Anthony Epifane
October 28, 2024
To Dan and Family,
Very sorry to hear about your brother, from the Epifane family in NJ we extend our dearest sympathy and condolences.
Michael Anthony Satterwhite
October 27, 2024
I had the honor of working with James. He was dedicated and appreciated opportunities.
Ian McDonald
October 27, 2024
On behalf of myself and all our Washington & Jefferson College Soccer Family. I wish to send our deepest condolences to the James family for their loss. May James rest in peace . Sincerely,
Coach Ian McDonald
Alex R
October 27, 2024
Love you endlessly
Carissa Tosi
October 26, 2024
Jimmy was my lawyer, but he also saved my life. I was having some very dark days due to my injury, but he gave me hope. The first time I talked to Jimmy, I knew I was in good hands. He was an empathetic, but fierce lawyer. I only met him once in person, and I will never forget how kind he was during my deposition. He made me feel calm and I knew he would protect me during that difficult day. The opposing counsel respected him tremendously and Jimmy made that scary day very productive. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and colleagues. The world lost one of the best. My deepest condolences.
The Duphilys
October 26, 2024
Duphily family photos
October 26, 2024
Melissa hendrie
October 25, 2024
I met Jimmy in a training in Boston. The training was to become certified to represent indigent defendants. I was lucky to have Jimmy in my group - and all of us became fast friends. I remember he called me to tell me he had a guy he knew in the recovery community in jail and thought we could help him. We would traveled the jail and sat with him. When we left, i told Jimmy we would never get paid, I wasn´t sure we should get involved. And Jimmy told me he had no one else in his corner- and he needed someone, and it wasn´t just about money. It was a testament to the person Jimmy was. He would never let someone be alone in this world, and you didn´t have to get something in return to help someone. He made me a better lawyer... but more importantly a better person. I´m so lucky to have gotten to know him and I will miss him always.
Rachael Sage
October 25, 2024
I will always remember the genuine caring hug that he gave me when I needed it. Jimmy had so much more to give this world. He will be missed and remembered by many......
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