Obituary of James W. Clement

James W. Clement, Sr. a retired member of Local 4 passed away unexpectedly Thursday morning, June 15, 2017. He was 64 years old. Over his lifetime he had many nicknames most notably “Jimmy”, “Clem” and “Gus”. But, whatever name he went by, you still got the same easy going outgoing individual. Jimmy’s mantra that he lived by was “Slow, Low, and Easy”. He never seemed to sweat the big things. He just went with the flow and everything would all work out. Jimmy was one of 7 children born to Warren and Jean Clement. He was extremely premature as a baby weighing just over a pound. A shoe box was his first crib and he told the story to all. He was a lifelong resident of Burlington. He was a graduate of BHS Class of 1972/73. Jimmy had a special ability of keeping friendships thriving. He still had friends from first grade that he regularly shared time with. Over the years, his list of friends constantly grew whether it was friends from Local 4, Burlington VFW, Woburn Elks, his children’s friends, teammate’s, and their parents, or just someone he happened to strike up a conversation with. He wasn’t concerned about impressing others or networking, everybody like him instantly. He was just Jimmy being Jimmy - easygoing, friendly, sweet and kind hearted. He enjoyed bonding experiences like the yearly train trips to Old Orchard Beach to see the car show, watching his beloved Boston sports teams, especially the Patriots, fishing, golf, or just hanging at the beach. He love Boston Harbor on Mikes or Pete’s Boat. It was that sense of camaraderie that drove Jimmy to be the person he was. Jimmy worked for 22 years with Local 4. Most of those years were spent as a heavy equipment operator doing road construction for Brox Industries. Jimmy's life revolved around his family. He was the loving husband and friend to his wife Terri. Some would say they were polar opposites, but together they made the perfect pair and Jimmy wouldn't hesitate to tell anyone he adored Terri. They respected each other’s differences, encouraged and supported each other in their interests, and welcomed each other’s families with outstretched arms. As a father, Jimmy was always in the stands, sidelines, and audience as his children danced in their recitals, and competed in whatever sport they were in football, hockey, baseball, soccer, softball, cheerleading, and tennis. He was so proud of his children and their successes he always talked about them. He loved going to breakfast with his children or just hanging around. When his children were younger he loved cooking for them. He loved spending warm sunny days with them at Salisbury Beach with them or just taking a ride. Jimmy loved Hampton Beach, and Castle Island and his trips to Florida with his children. Not only was he proud of his children, he cherished their friendship. And to say Jimmy was a good friend to many would be an understatement. Jimmy was Jimmy his friends would kid (Poor Jimmy) because there was nothing poor about Jimmy – he was rich in love and friendship. Jimmy’s warmth, humor, inviting persona, and spirit will always be remembered and his memory will always bring a smile and tears to the faces of all who knew and loved him. Jimmy was the beloved husband of Teresa “Terri” (Tarpey). He was the loving father of Michele Henderson & her husband Brandon of Hillsboro, NH, Jodi Boucher of Tyngsboro, Erin of Waltham, James W. Jr., Julieann Tarpey & Jason Tarpey all of Burlington. He was the proud grandfather of Isabella Henderson & Conor Boucher. He was the son of Warren Clement of Billerica and the late Jean M. He was the brother of Joanne Hooper & her husband John of Tewksbury, Richard & his wife Jane of Stoneham, Elaine Venuti of Burlington, Mary of Pepperell, Barbara of Billerica and Kathleen of Clinton. Brother-in-law of Chris Venuti, Mary Tarpey, Julie & Dennis Gosselin, Richard & Renee Tarpey and the late Pattie Clement. He was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral from the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt., 128/95 Woburn side) on Tuesday, June 20 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 Monday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Jim's name may be made to People Helping People, PO BOX 343, Burlington, MA 01803 or a Veterans Organization of your choice. Jimmy's Eulogy Good Morning Everyone, for those of you that don’t know me, my name is Donny Price. Teresa (Terri) asked me to say a few words about Jimmy. I’ve known Jimmy since the 6th grade and Im honored to be here in front of all of you. Jimmy is a good friend and always fun to be around whether to share a joke or smile and always a good companion to have a beer with or just watch the Pats play. Jimmy was Jimmy, he was very laid back and easy going. Jimmy lived, his life “slow low and easy” and always went with the flow. He was so loving and everyone that knew Gus loved him just the same. He was extremely kind hearted and had a big smile whenever you would see him. Jimmy had many nicknames Clem Gus Alice Debbie and Nancy and all where used with love and affection toward him. Jimmy was simple just a simple man who wanted for nothing but LOVE. He enjoyed the simple things in life – family, friends just being around them. He didn’t have to be anywhere special just their company was enough. A good day to Jimmy was talking to one of his children on the phone or one of his friends or his Dad. A great day was cracking a beer with them or watching a sporting event on tv or just a quick lunch. The things that most take for granted as every day occurrences meant the most to Jimmy. Jimmy would say I had a great day today Jace called me from school or I ran into Jimmy at the gas station or had lunch with Dad & Richard at Newtowne or me and the guys went to Castle Island and walked around. Simple things meant the most.. When Terri would ask what do want for dinner or where do you want to go to eat Jimmy’s reply was always “what every you want Im easy” Jimmy never made decisions some might think that’s odd but he honestly did not care about anything accept being with the people he loved. Didn’t matter what where or how just as long as he was there smiling laughing or even silently observing. Jimmy only wanted love and needed nor wanted for more than that. Jimmy adored all his children and would always point out each of their own special qualities and gifts. He always had a story about each and everyone of them and would tell it with such love and laughter. Never over shadowing their success because of him as some parents do – but just letting them shine on their own. Jokingly he would take credit but he was kidding… Jimmy adored his wife Terri. He would always refer to her as “my beautiful wife”. His love for her was deep and true. Jimmy told everyone all the time how much he adored her, most of his friends would kid with him and say “who wouldn’t she does everything for you”. Jimmy would just laugh it off and say ya when she was nine she delivered the newspaper to us with her sister when we lived on Nelson Road. Jimmy didn’t care if Terri did anything for him he loved her with all his heart and her doing everything just made him love her more. Jimmy love watching her succeed to him that was his joy. Jimmy wasn’t worldly or the smartest person but he could pick out an old car a mile away and tell you the make and model. Jimmy could tell you all about asphalt or the road and why it felt a certain way or why it had a seam.. Jimmy could call a play in any sport before the Refs did. He was a brain at what he knew.. and the other stuff well someone else would handle. He had an unbelievable ability to help a friend, he would always be there no matter what you needed or be there for anyone as long as he didn’t have to break a sweat. All the times Jimmy would help Gary at the Chalet stacking wood – Gary never had to worry about Jimmy getting a splinter because Jimmy would be in the kitchen cooking or bringing Gary a beer everytime he got one for himself. Gary would always say “Clem button your shirt so your heart don’t fall out.. Any stories Jimmy would tell of growing up no matter what, Gary was always there for him - always had his back and took care of him. As the year went on Mikey G helped out in making sure Jimmy was safe.. See Jimmy had a knack for the inevitable – no matter where he went or what he did if something was going to happen it happened to Jimmy. Unless he was with Terri she would never let anything happen to him because she did everything for him - accept the time she let him empty trash off Mikes boat and he hit the cleat on the dock and had to be fished out of the mystic river. Or on Petes boat and they hit rough seas and Jimmy was down below and hit his head on the only screw in the boat and it would’nt stop bleeding. These are just two of the endless stories of Jimmy and his mishaps. Everyone love to kid Jimmy – there was one time Jimmy was working in Burlington and Al or someone from DPW saw him and told all the guys go checkout Gus on his big roller. See Jimmy always talked about the big heavy equipment that he operated, mainly a huge roller. Well this one day he was on the smallest roller ever it was so small his knees were up by his ears – he never lived that down..but he would just laugh it off no biggy let them have a ha ha.. When Jimmy would tell a story about anything or anyone whether it be the guys at work or something Pete did at the shop or stopping and seeing Cauldwell at work, he told it with compassion and love as if it were the greatest thing in the world. Jimmy and I used to go to Burger King when it opened on middlesex turnpike’ we thought we were so cool. Jimmy was just talking about that not long ago and to hear him reminiscing about it – it was the greatest thing in the world. Terri wanted me to share this story about the morning Jimmy passed– Terri was woken after dozing off for only a minute by a dream īn which a lady who’s face she couldn’t see was telling her Jimmy needs you. The lady’s voice said that he is terrified he had something traumatic happen in his life and he’s scared of it. With that Terri woke up and asked her sister to leave the room. Terri started praying holding Jimmy’s hand telling him it was okay, God loves you and you don’t have to be afraid follow the light. Everyone is there for you, your Mom, my Dad, Kevin, Al, John they are waiting for you with open arms don’t be afraid. God loves and forgives and has promised eternal life. Terri prayed for Jimmy to take some of her faith in God and accepted him and love him. Terri prayed for 20 to 25 minutes and as she did she felt the Grace of God and Jimmy slowing slip away. Terri has no doubt Jimmy is in heaven She even described it as a feeling of complete and utter peace. Terri hopes you all can find comfort in that. I could share so many memories about Jimmy, but we would be here all day. I would like to end with my favorite thing I can say about Jimmy, and that is I’ve never heard anyone ever say a bad word about him and that’s a greatest compliment a person could have. Jimmy I’m proud you considered me your friend and you’ll be sorely missed not just by me but by so many.