James Leo Patrick "Jim" Glynn

James Leo Patrick Glynn, former owner of the James L. Glynn Insurance Agency in Reading, passed away suddenly on Monday, November 17, 2025. He was 91 years old. Jim was a man of great faith.

James was born in Dorchester, the son of James Leo and Mary (Moriarty) Glynn. A Great Depression Baby, those early years formed his work ethic. In his world, nothing was given-you earned it. At a young age, he helped his Uncle Jack saddle horses in car barns at three o'clock in the morning to deliver milk, delivered newspapers by wagon to three-family deckers, rode his bike through Boston and Roxbury delivering telegrams, and worked in the Supreme Market warehouse moving produce and stocking shelves-all before he had graduated from high school. He was also an altar boy at St. Gregory's Parish and later graduated from Cathedral High School. With determination he worked hard to put himself through college and became a proud alumnus of Boston College. During these years, he spent his summers driving dump trucks to and from Taunton and continuing his work at Supreme Markets in Dorchester.

After graduating from Boston College with a degree in Business Administration and ready to take on the world, Jim enlisted in the Navy June 18, 1956. He served a two-year term as a crew member aboard the USS Macon, a heavy destroyer and part of the Sixth Fleet working in the Personnel Office. He received the Good Conduct Medal and was honorably discharged on June 9, 1958. He continued his commitment to his country by serving in the United States Naval Reserves until May 9, 1962.

Following his military service, Jim began his career at Metropolitan Insurance Company and later spent 25 years with Allstate Insurance Company. Confident in the connections he had built throughout the community, he embarked on a new journey in 1988 and founded the James L. Glynn Insurance Agency in Reading. With his beloved wife Madeline by his side as his office manager, Jim treated every customer like family and a friend. Jim's daughter Kathy joined the family business from its inception, and his daughter Lisa joined shortly thereafter. Jim finally retired at age 82 after a lifetime of providing for his family and serving his community.

Along with his strong work ethic, Jim was far from all work and no play. He embraced life with unmistakable vigor. Vibrant, fun, generous and larger than life, he had a magnetic personality and time spent with Jim was always guaranteed to be filled with laughter and joy. He coached and played softball with some of his close neighbor friends and formed the "Town Liners" softball team and treasured the camaraderie it brought for many years on the town team.

Family, however, was the heart of Jim's world. His great love story began when he spotted a pretty young woman at the Maridor in Framingham asking her for a dance. The couple married exactly one year later on May 11, 1963 and together they built a loving home filled with five beautiful daughters. As a father, Jim was the example of family and love, a mentor, protector, and biggest cheerleader. The only challenge of raising a house full of girls, he joked, was getting bathroom time and any hot water! He wanted only the best for "His Girls." In the early years Jim and Madeline enjoyed many sales trips he had won through Allstate Insurance Company and later many family summer vacations to the beach in Rockport, Maine and Florida. Special memories were when he rented RVs driving the family to Florida and eventually purchased a winter home in Sarasota near Siesta Key in 1980. For decades he drove there annually until age 90. His joy only grew as his family expanded. He welcomed his sons-in-laws with open arms and beamed with pride at the arrival of all his grandchilden and great-grandchilden.

Jim lived a rich and meaningful life. He worked hard, followed his passions, (did it his way) and built an incredibly loving family. We are saddened by his unexpected passing but he leaves behind a legacy full of memories, stories, and love. In time, the tears will give way to smiles and laughter as his family fondly remembers their beloved husband, dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather-and the joy he brought to all of their lives.

Jim was the beloved husband for 62 years of Madeline F. (Donovan) Glynn of Holliston. He was the proud father of Kelly Glynn & her wife Karen Mazzola-Glynn of Plymouth, Lisa Glynn-Downer of Burlington, Kathleen Parsons & her husband Matt of Billerica, Michele Auriemma & her husband Ron of Stoneham, and Kristie Forni & her husband Mike of Peabody. He was the supportive brother of Marie Glynn of Plymouth and Geraldine Daly & her husband Joe of Dorchester & W. Harwich and uncle "Jim Dandy" to their 5 children. Jim was the proud "Grandpa" of Kaylee McEwen & her husband Will, Cody Parsons, Meghan Parsons, Ally Parsons, Carly Downer, Shelby Downer, Brendan Downer, Casey Stevens & her husband Alex, Nicole Auriemma, Joseph Auriemma, Michael Forni, Ayden Forni, McKenna Forni, Monika Sheeler & her husband Patrick, and Drake Di Troia. He was the great grandfather of Liam McEwen, Grace McEwen, Luca Di Troia, and was anxiously waiting for the births of three more great grandchildren. Jim was the brother-in-law of Jean Donovan, Ellen Fraize & her late husband John, Adele Coyne, Mary Donovan, Patty & Joe Oyer, Connie Craycroft & her late husband John, Jimmy & Ann Marie Donovan, Marian & Mark Bireley, Ann McDonald & her late husband Jack, and Michael & Terry Donovan. And uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Monday, November 24 from 4-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn Street, Burlington, Tuesday, November 25 at noon. Services will conclude with a burial at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials in Jim's name may be made to The USO.

For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net