JAMES LAWRENCE SILVA

SILVA, James Lawrence Age 101, of Peabody, formerly of Lexington, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026. WWII pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces, shot down over the St. Nazaire sector of France, in September of 1944, and became a POW. Jim was liberated later that year through a prisoner exchange. He was recalled to the Air Force in 1950 during the Korean War, flying 33-night missions in a B-26 and surviving a crash. Jim is survived by his companion, Betty Lehr; his children, Judy (Brad) of Allenstown, NH, Janet Schulz (Bailey) of Pepperell, MA, and Polly (Chuck) of Bolton, CT; grandchildren, Jessica (Keith) and Jeffrey (Melissa); great-grandchildren, Cheyenne, Austin, and Trenton; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, siblings; and his wife, Dorothy; and a special mother-in-law, Mildred Peppard. His life was marked by service, integrity, curiosity, humility, and humor: an enduring legacy that will be remembered by all who knew him. Relatives and friends are invited to Jim's Memorial Service at the Chapel at Brooksby Village, in Peabody, on Saturday, February 7, at 10:00 am. Donations in Jim's honor may be made to Granite VNA, The Slusser Ctr., 30 Pillsbury St., Concord, NH 03301 or to Benevolent Care Fund, c/o Philanthropy Dept.,100 Brooksby Village Dr., Peabody, MA 01960. www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

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