James J. McDermott

James J. McDermott, 91, of N. Chatham, formerly of Eastham, and long time resident of Worcester, MA died on August 3, 2017. He was married to his high school sweet heart, Helen (Tauras), for 68 years before she died in 2014.

Jim was a WWII disabled veteran who joined the Navy 2 days after graduating from high school at 17 years old. He saw action in the Atlantic as a Signalman on board ships protecting against enemy submarines.

Jim was ‘Dad’ to James and Peggy of Eastham, Brian and Gail of Tewksbury, and to Donald and Kevin who predeceased Dad. Jim was ‘Gramps’ to Kelli and Chetan Nayak of Emmaus, PA; Jim and Sheira McDermott of San Diego, CA.; Kate and Rob Gillis of Tewksbury, and Dan McDermott of Tewksbury. Jim leaves 6 great grandchildren.

Jim, after the war, began work as a coil winder for Telechron in Worcester. After graduating valedictorian from New England School of Accounting, he became a buyer for GE in Ashland where he worked for 31 years. He moved on to work for T.J. Rafferty Steel. When the Steel Company closed, Jim went to work for the Mass Lottery. He volunteered as long time treasurer for his friend State Senator Daniel Foley. Jim was a member of the U.S. Navy Armed Guard and a Life member of Disabled American Veterans.

Jim loved high school sporting events, especially rooting for teams his sons and his grandchildren played on or coached. He and Helen were active in St. Stephen Parish, then in Christ the King Church where he served as a Communicant, CCD teacher, and Lecturer. Jim and Helen retired to Eastham in 2000, a Cape Cod town they fell in love with long ago.

A celebration of life for Jim will take place on what would have been his 92nd birthday on Monday, August 14 at 11:00 AM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Orleans, followed by burial at the National Cemetery in Bourne.

Donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Lower Cape Outreach Council, P.O. Box 2013, Orleans, MA 02653.

For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com