Obituary of James Bowles

James “Jim” Francis Bowles, a big man with even a bigger heart, passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack on Sunday morning, February 21, 2016. He was 55 years old. Jim was the beloved husband of Gail (Fitzgerald). Jim was the loving and proud father of Brittney Bowles of Billerica. Devoted son of Margaret Bowles of Billerica and the late Herbert. Brother of Eveleen Fulgoni & her husband David of Billerica, Julie Ahern & her husband Bill of Billerica and the late John Bowles. Brother-in-law of June & Glenn Duhamel of Woburn and Debbie Pyke of Burlington & the late Victor. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Jim was born in Woburn. He lived most of his life in Billerica, with the exception of some of his teenage years which were spent helping his grandmother run her farm in Vermont. That was the way he lived his entire life always thinking of others first. He was always there for his family helping to maintain his mother’s home, helping family members, friends, and neighbors with excavation, masonry, construction, plowing, or any other way he could. He was the type of man who would stop his car and get out to help a neighbor bring in her groceries and then continue on his way. His kindness and concern was genuine and effortless and he never expected or wanted anything in return. Jim had worked for many years with Jodi Construction as a heavy equipment operator. He worked with excavators, bulldozers, and backhoes. He was skilled in his profession. He had previously worked with Unit Construction in Groveland. Jim wasn’t afraid to tackle any type of project. When Jim built his home he did his own excavation, septic, walkways, and brickwork. He was always working around his yard, chopping wood, and working a construction project. He loved being outdoors and being industrious. Jim was a family man. He would have celebrated his 25th Wedding Anniversary this year with his loving wife Gail. He had a special bond with his daughter, Brittney. He wasn’t just her father he was also her friend. They would have breakfast dates, visits at job sites, share their love of the Red Sox, and share special memories like a Father’s Day flying over Fenway Park. He was a loving son to his parents Herbert and Margaret Bowles. With his father’ passing Jim stepped up to make sure that he was always there for his mother. He was extremely close to his siblings, nieces, and nephews. Jim had a great sense of humor and sometimes it was hard to tell who was the kid as he was goofing and playing pranks on his nieces, nephews, and friends. He loved animals and his dogs, Bella, Bailee, and late Cali were part of the family. He was a special man and was a friend to many and his sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of all those he has touched. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Friday, Feb. 26 at 8:45 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary Church, 796 Boston Rd., Billerica at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Thursday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Fox Hill cemetery, Billerica. Memorials in Jim’s name may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, The Jimmy Fund, Contribution Services, 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA 02445