James Patrick Kannally

James P. Kannally, age 74, passed away in his Walpole, Massachusetts home on Monday, April 2, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on June 5, 1943, he was the son of the late Richard H. and Mary M. (Kelly) Kannally. He was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts and as a young boy he excelled at football, hockey, and golf. Upon entering Walpole High School, his skills as a golfer were quickly noticed and he earned a spot on the varsity golf team. His golf game continued to improve throughout his high school career and he was chosen as captain before graduating with the Class of 1962. After graduation, Jimmy enlisted in the United States Army, married his first wife Joan Frances Purdon whom they had three sons with. He proudly serving his country during the Vietnam War. He trained in Alaska as an explosives and demolition expert before departing for Vietnam. At the end of his career in the Army, after returning from Vietnam, he was stationed at West Point, before returning to his beloved hometown of Walpole.

Once back home, Jimmy quickly found work with the SM Lorusso Corporation, driving a truck with the Teamsters Union. However, in 1974, at the age of 31, Jimmy realized his life-long goal and dream of being a police officer with the Walpole Police Department. He was dedicated to the department and loved serving and protecting his community, and as an avid motorcyclist, Jimmy joined the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. In his off time, he continued to improve his golf game on many courses around the area.

Jimmy married his wife, Pamela R. Stone, on June 5, 1989 in Islington. They made their home together in Walpole, blending their two families. Jimmy retired from the Walpole Police Department in 2005, after serving the community of Walpole for 30 years. In his retirement, he returned to SM Lorusso, driving a truck for a short time until his official retirement.

The love of sports was a central theme throughout Jimmy's life. He loved the game of golf and followed the pros on television whenever he could. In his later years, took the trip of a lifetime to play on some of the most pristine courses and to attend the Masters Tournament. Jimmy was also an avid Boston Sports Fan, always keeping up with the Patriots, Bruins and the Red Sox.

Most of all, Jimmy loved spending time with his family and friends. He met his friends for coffee daily at the Country Kitchen Donut Shop in Walpole and caught up with his colleagues from the Walpole Police Department over breakfast at Bristol Square Café. Jimmy loved spending time with his children and grandchildren whenever he could. He was so proud of all of them and made sure that they knew it.

Beloved husband of Pamela R. (Stone) Kannally.
Loving father of Alan Kannally, Jan Kannally, and William Kannally and step father of Debbie Thomas, Lori Wilk, and John Finley.
Cherished grandfather of 22 and great grandfather of 1.
Brother of Maureen Zakur of North Carolina, Ellen Goldberg of Georgia, and the late Richard H. Kannally, Jr.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jimmy's Life Celebration on Friday, April 6, 2018 from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 10 to 10:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Walpole Police Union, Local 115, Relief Fund, P.O. Box 643, Walpole, MA 02081.