James W. Moughan

SPENCER: James W. Moughan, 92, passed away peacefully at home, "The Camp," on May 13, 2025 with his family by his side. His presence will be missed by his five sons and two daughters, James Moughan and his wife Beth of Holden, David Moughan of Asbury Park, NJ, John Moughan and his wife Nicole of San Diego, CA, Daniel Moughan of Leicester, Thomas Moughan and his wife Caroline of Spencer, Ann Giggey and her husband Jay of Leicester and Kathleen Dufries and her husband Brad of Leicester. He was a proud Gramps to his 12 grandchildren James, Caitlin and Alyssa Moughan, Justin Moughan, Sarah and Emily Moughan, Tatum and Quinn Giggey, and Madison, Alexa, Hannah and Brody Dufries. His loss will be deeply felt by his brother-in-law Raymond Christian as well as his sister-in-law Jackie Moughan and his many nieces and nephews.
James was predeceased by his parents Sarah Agnes (Murphy) and Daniel Moughan, his loving wife of 39 years, Rita (Christian), his brothers Daniel Moughan and his wife Mary, Gerald Moughan and Paul Moughan and his wife Mary, his daughter-in-law Virginia (Kraus) Moughan, and his sister-in-law Jean Christian.
James grew up in Amesbury, MA and was a graduate of Amesbury High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955 on board the USS Trathen during the Korean Conflict. After leaving Korea his ship embarked on a world tour as an ambassador ship for the United States.
In the summer of 1955, he met the love of his life, Rita, on Hampton Beach and married her in 1958. They started their life together in Newburyport and settled in Leicester with their growing family. He nurtured their 7 children, which was his greatest joy.
James worked many years for the New England Telephone company and was very active in the Telephone Pioneers of America serving as local president for a period of time. He was involved as a leader of the Boy Scouts, leading his sons. He volunteered at St. Joseph's School including calling BINGO games and president of the PTA. Favorite pastimes were summer popcorn parties and sitting by the fire at The Camp, with an open door to all. He enjoyed spending time sitting under the deck at The Camp and on the boat on the lake. His greatest accomplishment was his large family including his grandchildren who he referred to as "the gang." He had many fun Irish one liners and pranks throughout the years that will be remembered by all.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, May 16th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main Street, Leicester, MA. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 17 at 10:00 am in St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1161 Main Street, Leicester. Burial will follow in Mary Queen of the Rosary Cemetery, Spencer with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Jame's name to the McAuley Nazareth School, 77 Mulberry Street, Leicester, MA 01524.