James F. Fallon Jr.

James F. Fallon, Jr., 94, a lifelong Lowell resident, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family-just as he had surrounded them with love throughout his life. He was the beloved husband of Catherine A. (Rynne) Fallon, with whom he shared over 72 years of marriage.

Born April 28, 1931, in Worcester, he was raised and educated in Lowell. He graduated from Lowell High School as a proud member of the Class of 1949. Jimmy was a standout three-sport athlete during his era and is a member of the Lowell High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was the quarterback on Coach Ray Riddick's first undefeated football team, leading the Raiders to a bowl game in Jackson, Mississippi. Baseball and basketball rounded out his athletic pursuits, and after graduation he was signed to a professional baseball contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1950. Later in life, he shared his knowledge and passion by serving as a highly successful coach at various levels of youth sports in Lowell.

Shortly after his graduation, in 1953, he married Catherine A. Rynne and began working for the gas company. He was later drafted into the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. While in the Army, he also had the opportunity to play baseball in Japan. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and worked in sales for Armour as a commercial meat salesman before joining the Lowell Fire Department-a career he truly loved. He retired as a Lieutenant in 1992 after more than 30 years of service to the city, much of that time spent at Engine 7 on Pine Street, where his co-workers became lifelong friends.

A longtime Highlands resident, his name is immortalized at the James Fallon Sports Complex, located behind the Daley School. He also served on the Friends of Lowell High Boosters and was President of the Lowell Firefighters Credit Union for many years.

Jimmy loved to golf and was a member of Mount Pleasant Golf Club in his younger years. He also played for many years in the telephone company league at Green Meadow alongside his good friend, Bucky Boehm.

He and his wife spent countless summers in Seabrook, New Hampshire. Though not a beach lover, he took great joy in providing memorable family vacations and could often be found watching Red Sox games from the cottage. A kind and generous man, he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He always deemed himself a lucky man to have his family close by and cherished every moment of his children's, grandchildren's, and most recently his great-grandchildren's accomplishments-never missing an opportunity to celebrate them.

Besides his devoted wife of over 72 years, Catherine, he is survived by their five children: James Fallon and his wife, Karen of Chelmsford; Timothy Fallon and his wife, Catherine of Lowell; Catherine Dillon and her husband, Michael of Lowell; Martha Santos and her husband, Arthur J. of Lowell; and Marikay Guthrie and her husband, Roland of Lowell. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, his sister, Elizabeth "Betty" McCann of Auburn, NH and his sister-in-law Joan Ryan of Tarpon Springs FLA.

On Thursday, February 12, all are welcome to attend his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, 374 Stevens Street, Lowell. A procession will follow for burial at St. Patrick Cemetery, also in Lowell. Following the burial and military honors, the family invites all to join them at Princeton Station for a remembrance and celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to please consider memorial donations in his name to: Lowell Retired Firefighters Association (LRFFA) Scholarship Fund, 15 Brunswick St. Lowell Ma 01852. Condolences may be shared with the family via Facebook or by using this website.