Obituary of James Kendrigan

James E. Kendrigan, a man who always placed others before himself, passed away after a short illness on Monday night, May 1, 2017. He was 83 years old. Jim was born in Melrose, the only son born to Martin and Mary Kendrigan. He grew up in Manchester, NH and West Roxbury. He was a graduate of Boston College High School and then attended Boston College. Jim joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 103 Electrical Workers in 1953. He worked for over a year until he enlisted in the Navy where he proudly served his country from November of 1955 to August of 1957. He returned to IBEW where he worked until his retirement in 1994. Jim loved his career and worked as a foreman. He really enjoyed taking the time helping apprentice and young electricians to improve their knowledge and skills of the trade as well as keeping a watchful eye that they were working safely. As he would drive through Boston, he was always pointing to buildings and hospitals and saying the work he had done there. He also worked on the Orange Line of the MBTA, Logan Airport, Walpole Prison, and on the Power Plant at Deer Island. He was proud to say he was a member of Local 103. Jim had married his wife Eleanor on September 26, 1959. They settled in Burlington in 1962, became active in the community, and raised their 4 children. He was a life member of the Burlington Knights of Columbus and enjoyed attending many of the socials and events held at the council. He coached youth basketball and Little League Baseball. When Burlington Baseball and Softball Association wanted to put up the first lights at Simonds Park, Jim along with many other residents volunteered their time and talents and built the first lighting system at the park. He was a devote Catholic and longtime parishioner at St. Margaret’s Church. He loved sharing his knowledge and skills with family and friends. All his sons had the opportunity to work with him at home and at their Lake house as Jim always had ongoing construction or renovation projects. Jim was a man who always placed his family first. He adored his wife and they shared 57 years together. They enjoyed traveling, cruised, time at the Lake House, going out to eat, and supporting their children and grandchildren in their activities, sports, and life choices. Her passing in September of 2016 was devastating for him. As a father and grandfather, he was strong mentor, always encouraging them to be strong, self-sufficient, and good citizens. Education was very important to Jim. He also wanted to keep his family close and enjoying each other’s company. Their home in Wolfeboro on Lake Wentworth has been the summer gathering spot of the Kendrigan family for the past 38 years. It has provided countless memorable family moments filled with love and laughter. His kindness, outgoing personality, and great sense of humor will always be remembered and cherished. James was the beloved husband of 57 years of the late Eleanor (Murphy). Treasured son of the late Mary (Van Hoewyk) and Martin Kendrigan. Devoted father of James A. Kendrigan and Paul Silva of Somerville, Paul and his wife Carolyn of Andover, Diane Creedon and her husband John of Burlington, Peter and his wife Seana of Brentwood, NH. He was the cherished “Pa” of Brendan, Brooke & Patrick Creedon, Katelyn, Ashley, Liam, Connor & Courtney Kendrigan. Admired brother of the late Elaine Ashman. Brother-in-Law of Edward Murphy of Carlsbad, CA, George Murphy of Walpole, the late Robert Murphy, Arlene “Sis” Conway, Thomas Murphy, Leo Murphy, and David Murphy. Loving Uncle Jim to many nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, May 8 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday from 3-6 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in James’s name may be made to People Helping People, P.O. Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803.