James J Regan

James J. Regan, 81, of Scituate, formerly of Hanover, passed away peacefully Nov. 28 from complications of inclusion body myositis, a condition he was diagnosed with in 2008. He was the beloved husband of Mary Jane Wilkinson and the devoted father of Sean (Elyne Greene) of Boston; James (Tracee) of Milton; Christopher (Nessa) and Julie, of Boston.

A son of the late George F. and Bernadette C. Regan, he grew up in Dorchester, graduated from Mission Church High School in Roxbury and attended Boston College’s night division. He also served in the Marine Corps Air Wing. Beginning a 40-year career at The Boston Globe as an office boy, Jim retired as director of sales promotion. After retiring, he took up his avocation, horticulture, and was employed at Kennedy’s Country Gardens in Scituate for more than 10 years. He also was a painter of abstract works and maintained a studio in Hanover for more than 20 years. He did course work at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, South Shore Art Center and the North River Art Society. Many of his friends regarded him as a renaissance man. Longtime friend of Bill W., Jim volunteered for a number of organizations, including the Boston Medical Center reading program, Pine Street Inn, Father Bill’s homeless shelter and Meals on Wheels.

In addition to his wife and children, he leaves his sister Patricia, brother Michael (Betty Jean) and sister Elizabeth (William) Eastman, all of Milton; brother-in-law Jay (Maggie) Wilkinson of Charlton, N.Y., and sister-in-law Joyce Pardi of Schenectady, N.Y. He was predeceased by his brother George C. Regan and sister Paula O’Malley. He was Papa Jim to cherished grandchildren Rian, Sean, Ella, Audrey, Ava and Stella Regan and Malia Greene. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children Rosemary Regan of Hanover and close friends Allen Donaruma of Osterville and Silas Atsalis of Centerville as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to thank the staff of North River Home Care, especially Jim’s caregiver Anna, and the medical staff at South Shore Hospital for their compassionate care during Jim’s long illness.

Visiting hours will be Sunday, Dec. 10, from 3 to 7 PM at Richardson Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Road, Scituate. A funeral Mass will be said on Monday, Dec. 11, at 11 AM at St. Mary of the Nativity, 1 Kent St., SCITUATE. Contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to Boston Health Care for the Homeless, 780 Albany St., Boston, MA 02118, or Father Bill’s and Mainspring, 430 Main St., Brockton, MA 02301.