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James Lynch Obituary
JAMES PHILIP LYNCH
James "Jim" Philip Lynch, 84, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2023, at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital in Fairfax, VA.
Born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island on September 14, 1938, to James Philip Eugene Lynch and Margaret Ilene (Sullivan) Lynch Capasso, Jim graduated the University of Rhode Island, Kingston with a B.S in Agriculture after which he went on to earn an M.S. and Ph.D in Botany/Plant Pathology at the University of Maryland, College Park. He was also a proud member of URI's chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha.
Upon the completion of his graduate studies at the University of Maryland, Jim was hired as a research scientist by the CIA, the start of a career that spanned 32 years. Jim was one of a handful of officers to have ever served in a senior command function in all four directorates of the CIA. He was humble in achievements, always owing his successes to his colleagues. In retirement, he researched and wrote a book on his Irish ancestry and spent time with family near and far; from Coolkill, Co. Cavan, Ireland to Rosebud County, Montana.
Jim was the former husband of Mary Patricia Arrington; devoted father of Jimmie, Mike (Donna), Pat (Jennifer) and Jeff (Kate); Grampa (Pops) of Christopher, Ryan, Lauren, Lacie, Lexis, Michael, and Hannah; Great-Grampa of Gordyn and Everyst; brother of Charlie (Lois) Lynch; and his very dear mates Anne Sadler and her daughter Rahni, both of Sydney, Australia. He was preceded in death by his mother Margaret Lynch-Capasso and his stepfather, Joseph Capasso, both of Rhode Island.
The first of two Celebrations of Life will be held at The Auld Shebeen, 3971 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA on April 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. Graveside services will be held at St. Ann's Cemetery, Cranston, RI at a later date under the direction of Russell J. Boyle and Son Funeral Home in Providence, RI along with a second Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, Jim requested memorial contributions to the American Lung Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Lynch
3 Entries
Sharon Gomersall
November 3, 2023
To the Lynch family,
I regret that I waited too long to reach out to Jim, and I am just learning of his passing. Jim was such an impressive man. We met through our mutual research on the Callans of Cavan. My maternal great grandmother was Maria (pronounce Mariah Callan Walker). Please know that my mother, Frances, and the other Finnegan girls adored him and were so grateful to spend time with him, Charlis and Lois in Rhode Island. My sincere condolences.
Rahni E Sadler
April 22, 2023
Jim, when they made you they broke the mold. You were a seminal force on my life throughout my late teens, and my twenties and thirties. You were like a second dad to me. You taught me what it meant to be respected by a man. You taught me what a decent man looked like. You helped me make some of life's most important decisions, and your guidance was always spot on. The place in my heart for you is so vast. Your stories will live on in my mind forever, as will the great belly laughs you provided. My life has been enormously enriched by your presence. They don't make many like you Jim. A truly fine human, with the greatest values and the biggest heart. I thank the Lynch family for welcoming us in and for taking care of you in such fine form to your dying day. Our hearts are with you. I will always remember you with love and I will miss you every day. I'm just glad you and Mum crossed paths. We were both the beneficiaries of the lifelong bond that was formed. Mum and I will be raising a glass or three to you Down Under. Your Aussie mate, Rahni
Fiona Oreilly
April 5, 2023
Very sad to hear about Jim´s passing! We had the pleasure of spending time with him in Washington. An amazing man with some great stories - he will be sadly missed. RIP Jim
Fiona and Craig
Ireland
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Funeral services provided by:
Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home - Providence331 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02908
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