James N. Esdaile Jr.

James N. Esdaile, Jr., 66, died peacefully on November 29, 2011 following a courageous two year battle against brain cancer. He spent his last day surrounded by family and friends who shared stories with him of how he had enriched their lives. Born on November 8, 1945, Jim began his life in Melrose, with his parents, the late Dorothy (Merrill) and J. Newton Esdaile. He graduated cum laude from Harvard College in 1967 with a degree in American history. Following his graduation, he enrolled in Boston University Law School where he served as managing editor of the school's Law Review before graduating cum laude in 1970. He later would go on to serve as a Trustee of Boston University, President of the Boston University Law School Alumni Association and as a distinguished lecturer on legal methods to law school students. In 1970, Jim married his beloved wife Mary Ann. Together, they moved to Newport, Rhode Island where Jim attended the Naval War College prior to his posting as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General Corps. in Charleston, South Carolina. Jim and Mary Ann moved back to the Boston area in 1974 and Jim joined his father at the law firm of Esdaile, Barrett and Esdaile as a partner. He very quickly achieved a national reputation as a litigator and earned the highest level of respect from his peers. Throughout his career, Jim advocated on behalf of those who had been wronged. He was regularly honored as one of the best lawyers in America and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He set numerous records for jury awards and served his profession as a member of a variety of court and government organized task forces, including a term as the Commissioner of the Governor's Special Commission on Medical Malpractice. A long time resident of Hamilton, Jim loved the countryside and was a dedicated conservationist. He served on the Board of Trustees for Castle Hill in Ipswich and The Trustees as Reservation. He also was a long time trustee of the Myopia Schooling Field in Hamilton. Jim was an avid equestrian who enjoyed nothing more than riding with Mary Ann. Together, they were active members of the Myopia Hunt where Jim served as field master. He also served on the executive committee of the Myopia Hunt Club for over ten years. Besides his wife, Jim leaves two sons, James N. Esdaile, III of Wenham and Charles D. Esdaile of Gloucester, their wives Hilary and Caroline and three grandchildren, Evelyn, Beatrice and Charlie. A memorial service will be held in Jim's honor 10 am Thursday, December 15, 2011 at Christ the Redeemer Church, 188 Elliot Street (Rt. 62), Danvers. Family and friends are respectfully welcomed. Arrangements are under the direction of the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home of Ipswich.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of James N. Esdaile, Jr. to the Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neuro Oncology, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114. To leave a condolence please visit www.whittier-porter.com