James Joseph McGuire

James Joseph McGuire, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and educator, passed away peacefully in Falmouth, MA, on March 18, 2025, at the age of 82.
Born on October 17, 1942, in Boston, MA, Jim was the son of Anna M. (Federico) and Leo M. McGuire of Newton, MA. He was predeceased by his parents and his sons, Peter McGuire and David McGuire.
Jim leaves behind his loving wife of 27 years, Leslie E. McGuire (Wordell). He is also survived by his daughter, Allison A. King (McGuire) and her husband Joel King, and his bonus children, Christopher S Young Sr., Sarah E. Sattin (Young) and her husband Ben Sattin, and Bethany J. Weisel (Young) and her husband Jeff Weisel. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Parker King, Griffin King, Christopher Young Jr., Landon Young, Riley Young, Logan Young, Jack Sattin, Madeline Sattin, and his late granddaughter, Lucy James Weisel.
Jim is also survived by his sister, who was his best friend, Barbara Keefe (McGuire) and brother-in-law Thomas Keefe, along with their children Sara (Keefe) and Rocco Zullo, and Matthew and Christine Keefe. He is further survived by Rocco and Sara's children, Lucy and Gabriel, and Matthew and Christine's children, Katie and Brendan.
A proud veteran, Jim served in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967 as a medical laboratory technician. After his honorable discharge, Jim used the GI Bill to further his education, graduating from Bridgewater State University with a BA in Biology in 1971 and later earning an M.A.T. in Biology in 1976.
Jim's career as an educator spanned over three decades. He taught at Wareham High School for 30 years before continuing his teaching journey at Cape Cod Community College and Bristol Community College, where he touched countless lives with his passion for science and teaching.
Outside of the classroom, Jim was an avid runner, a passion he pursued throughout most of his life. He ran the Boston Marathon several times and achieved a notable second-place finish in the New England Championship 50-Miler Race. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing, and golfing, and had a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors. One of his favorite places in the world was Rangeley, Maine where he spent many summer vacations with his family on the lake. He had talent for creating custom flies for fly fishing, partnering with Rangeley Region Sport Shop to raise money for Casting for Recovery; a Breast Cancer charity.
Jim had an extraordinary gift of making everyone feel like family. The word "stranger" meant nothing to him – he would talk to and befriend anyone he encountered. His sense of humor was infectious, and he had an ability to brighten any room with his laughter and warmth. The phrase "best of the best" could have been coined after him, as he truly was the kindest, most welcoming, and generous man. He made an impact on everyone he met, always going out of his way to lend a hand or share a story.
Jim will be remembered for his dedication to family, his commitment to education, his love of athletics, and his service to his country. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him.
A private burial will be held at Massachusetts National Cemetery for immediate family on Friday, April 11, 2025. Jim will be honored and remembered with a Celebration of Life on April 13, 2025, open to all who loved him, at The Flying Bridge in Falmouth, MA from 1:00pm until 4pm. The family will be receiving guests and encourage everyone to bring their favorite memory or story about Jim.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Casting for Recovery and MassWildlife Division of Fisheries and Wildlife in Jim's name.