James P. Coady Jr.

James P. Coady, Jr. 89, of Franklin, died peacefully, Wednesday June 24, 2015 at Milford Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. He was the husband of Jean (Milliken) Blethen-Coady of Medway and the late Jean P. (Collins) Coady, who died in 1981. Born in Millville, MA August 11, 1925 a son of the late James P. Coady, Sr. and Eileen (Hegarty) Coady, he was a Franklin resident since 1950. James was raised in Millville, educated in Blackstone and he was a retired storekeeper for the former Massachusetts Electric Company for over 29 years. On July 20, 1943 he enlisted in the United States Navy, he attained the rank of RM1 and served aboard numerous vessels including the USS Midway, the USS Olympus the USS Cambria and served in the Atlantic Fleet with the Sixteenth Escort Squadron. Upon returning home he was stationed at the US Naval Radio Station in Cutler, Maine and his final assignment was participating in the US Navy's Operation Frost Bite, the Antarctic Expedition and Operation High Jump. He was in charge of setting up radio communication on the frozen ice pack. James was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal (Atlantic), the Asiatic Campaign Medal (Pacific), the European African Middle Eastern Medal, the World War 11 Victory Medal, the Navy Occupational Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Antarctica Service Medal. He was honorably discharged and remained a proud Navy veteran. Jim was a life member of the Franklin Lodge of Elk's and the Franklin VFW. He would enjoy talking with people, and telling stories about his military service. In addition to his wife, he is survived by 2 stepsons, Richard Blethen and his wife Ann Marie of Medway, Robert Blethen and his wife Christine of Hopedale, a sister Kay Tero of Franklin, a brother Michael Coady and step grandchildren, Jill Marie Souza and her husband Ray, Daryl and Derek Blethen, a great step grandson Devin Richard Souza, 2 nieces Mary Anne Shelman and her husband Rick, Mary Ellen Powell and her husband Chris, and a nephew Stephen Tero and his wife Elaine. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service Monday June 29th, at 12PM in the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Franklin. A calling hour will be held from 11AM-12PM at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675, the Special Olympics of Massachusetts 512 Forest St. Marlborough, MA 01752 or Jack Williams "Wednesday's Child" c/o WBZ-TV 1170 Soldiers Field Rd. Boston, MA 02134. Guestbook/directions www.oterifuneralhome.com