James "Terry" French

James French, “Terry,” a lifelong Wakefield resident passed away at his home unexpectedly on November 22, 2025. He was 79 years old.

He attended Wakefield schools in the class of ’64 and graduated from Newman Prep before attending Emerson College, including a semester at Oxford College, England.

After college he was a vista volunteer in Montana assisting with programs for the Native Americans living there. The majority of his career was spent working for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the Archives Department under the Secretary of State as well as many years on the Wakefield Planning Board and Democratic Town Committee.

He was well versed in all aspects of politics and had varied interests in sports, literature, cars, and travels, including a 3-week trip to Africa years ago.

His parents were the late James R. and Jane French, both from Everett, MA. He will be missed by his sister, Susan French Hupprich, her husband Arthur “Buddy” Hupprich, his nephew Shane Hupprich and his wife Gina Alessi Hupprich, and their son Devan. He previously lost his oldest nephews, Shiloh French Hupprich.

A Memorial Mass will be said on Saturday, March 7th in both of their names at the Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield at 4pm.

Arrangements were under the care of the McDonald Funeral Home, Wakefield. www.mcdonaldfs.com