James E. Gridley Jr.

James E. “Papa” Gridley Jr. of Abington passed away at age 82 surrounded by his loving family on February 20, 2024. Jim was born in Boston on November 3, 1941, son to the late James E. Gridley,  Sr. and Margaret Gridley. Jim was predeceased by his loving wife Carole (Whiteside) Gridley, originally of East Weymouth. 

Jim was a devoted husband to Carole throughout their 54 years of marriage, fueled by a love that encompassed decades. To Jim, family was everything – he was an extremely active father in his four children’s lives. Jim was an avid tennis player and remained a loyal Boston sports fan throughout his life, especially enjoying the Boston Red Sox. As a dedicated employee, Jim worked for Raytheon as a Systems Analyst Project Manager for over 32 years. He was particularly proud of his work on U.S. Defense Systems. Upon retirement, Jim and Carole became avid travelers. Their travel consisted of wintering in Florida to adventures from US/Canada to western Europe.

Jim had many hobbies and pastimes. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially interacting with his many woodland creatures. He loved to putter around his backyard which included sitting on his patio, his self-made “St. James Island.”  Jim always enjoyed a ride to Nantasket Beach, from the old days at Paragon Park, to recent trips to collect moon snail shells and sea treasures.

More of his pastimes included watching “Judge Judy” and the Discovery Channel, thankful for his DVR so he could fast forward through the commercials.   Jim’s quirky curiosity included an interest in reading the daily obituaries and sharing those fascinating life stories with his family. 

Jim's great sense of humor and quick-wit never failed to make everyone laugh. He loved to make a good story out of a bad idea, even when he was advised against it. Jim found joy in teasing his grandchildren as well as his backyard chipmunks and squirrels. He was known for his quirkiness, his never-ending curiosity, and most of all, his kind and loving heart.

Jim was the proud father of Michael Gridley and his partner Dianne Ellis of Lakeville, MA, Debra and her husband Kevin Nee of Abington, MA, David W. Gridley and his wife Colleen McAuley of Hampton, NH, and Thomas Charles Gridley and his wife Donna of Newburyport, MA.

He was the beloved Papa to six grandchildren, Melissa & Ryan Desroches, Amy Gridley & Kyle Medeiros, Casey Nee & Emily Meehan, Callie Nee & fiancé Matthew Michael (whom he teasingly referred to as Matt-Tom-Mike), Ava Gridley & Lila Gridley. They will deeply miss spending time with their Papa, but will forever cherish their memories exchanging stories on the porch, joy rides to the beach, and lunches at the 99 Restaurant. His legacy will live on through them, as well as his three great grandchildren, Charlotte Desroches & Emmeline Desroches and Esmé Dodie Gridley. 

Jim was the loving brother to Philip and his wife Bonnie Gridley of Bridport VT, and Janet (Gridley) Feeny and the late Charles M. Feeny of Naples, FL. He will be greatly missed by many extended family members, especially his favorite aunt, Doris (Dodie) Emery.

Services will be private.                                                                                                         

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jim’s memory to one of the following organizations Dana Farber Jimmy Fund, South Shore VNA. 

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