James Louis McGovern

James Louis McGovern Jr., age 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 11, 2016. Born in Brooklyn, New York on July 26, 1938, he was the son of the late James and Alice (Dunn) McGovern. He was raised in Massapequa Park, New York. Attending Massapequa Park High School, Jim played football, basketball, baseball, and was a member of the track and wrestling teams, lettering in all. He graduated with the Class of 1956. Jim continued his studies at the University of South Carolina, which he attended on a full football scholarship. He later turned down a contract with the Chicago Bears.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Carol Hutchinson, on January 22, 1961. Taking a sales position with Friden. Jim began Electronic Business Machines, selling Sharp Electronics, as a dedicated salesman. More recently, he owned and operated Universal Distributors.

A resident of Dover for 20 years, Jim enjoyed coaching youth football, and was always focused on building the character of his student athletes. He was an avid chess player, card player, and story creator. He was known for his wit, insightfulness, wisdom, and his sarcasm. Jim loved his children and treasured his grandchildren, attending many of their games and performances. He cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Beloved husband of the late Carol (Hutchinson) McGovern.
Father of Kelly McGovern of Natick, Joseph McGovern and his wife Ella of Florida, Linda Eckles and her husband Steven of Sherborn, Donna McGovern of Natick, Lori Stephenson of Natick, and Cocoa McGovern and Gary Reichert of Bellingham. Grandfather of Chelsea, James, Carly, John, Geoffrey, Izzie, Matthew, Craig, Mary, Clare, and Grace and great-grandfather of Gabriel, Michael, and Leo.
Brother of Gail Kilkenny and her husband John of Williamsburg, Virginia, Ann Delaney and her husband Ed of Indianapolis, Indiana, Patty McGovern of Columbia, South Carolina, the late George McGovern and his wife Mary of Virginia Beach, and the late John McGovern.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the wake on Friday, December 16, 2016 from 4-7 PM and Saturday, December 17, 2016 from 9-9:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 10:00 AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.