James was affectionately known as Jim, Jimmy, Mac, Harry Hockameyer, Jim Bodini, Papa, and Papa Mac. He was born on November 8, 1936 at Lowell General Hospital and grew up in Billerica, Massachusetts. He graduated high school from the Howe School in Billerica, MA. At 22 years old, Jim enlisted in the Army. He served 3 years in a cignal support unit in the 7th Army, affectionately called 7 Steps to Hell, where he was stationed primarily in Frankfurt, Germany. He was honorably discharged in February of 1961. Following his separation from the Army, Jim held a few temporary jobs while taking employment tests for various service careers. These temporary positions included working as a meter reader with the town of Billerica, and a microwave equipment quality assurance technician. He then opened a landscape company, Mac Landscaping. He maintained this business after being offered a position with the Billerica Fire Department in 1965. He continued to moonlight as a landscaper and also plowed for the city throughout his career with the fire department. One of the most memorable moments of his career as a firefighter was the chemical explosion of the Lowell Gas Company on Feb. 9, 1972. Jim suffered third degree burns fighting this catastrophic fire, which took the life of his Captain and two others, and left more than 20 injured. The monumental impact of this infamous explosion actually led to improved safety standards for the propane and natural gas industry, as well as for firefighters. Following this tragedy where firefighters’ gear was melting off their bodies, 3M developed fire resistant coats. Despite his injuries during this fire, Jim went on to serve another 25 years with the department and retired as Captain. Unnamed sources have identified him as Mr. March in the 1970 fundraising calendar Hunks & Hoses. Upon retirement, he moved to Cape Cod in 1998, where he became an active member of the St. Joan of Arc Roman Church and choir. His emotive cantering at masses brought joy and inspiration to many. He also volunteered many hours at the St. Joan of Arc Church Thrift Shop. Jim will be affectionately remembered for his lively storytelling, lighthearted banter, harmless pranks, and mind-blowing pipes. He will be missed by many.
Jim is survived by his partner of 20 years, Pauline McGaughey, of Eastham, MA. He was predeceased by his wife of 36 years, Jacqueline McGinnis, of Eastham, MA. He is survived by his children: Jennifer (and William) Manchester, of Stoneham, MA, James E. (and Megan) McGinnis, of San Diego, CA, and Jacey (and Sean) Persinger, of Chesapeake, VA. He is also survived by his granddaughters: Morgan Manchester and McKenzi Manchester; and his grandsons: Devon Manchester, Avery Persinger, Owen Persinger, Emerson Persinger, and Connor McGinnis. Jim is predeceased by his brother Edward McGinnis, and is survived by his younger sisters: Gladys (Dolly) McNulty and Barbara Solomon.
The viewing will be held at Nickerson Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 from 4:00pm-7:00pm. The mass will commence at 11:00am on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church at 61 Canal road, Orleans, MA. Jim will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Eastham following mass. If you need further information, please contact Nickerson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude or the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.
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