Obituary of Alexander James

Alexander “Alex” James, 70, passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, September 23, 2012, at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, with his family at his bedside. Alex was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Canada. He was one of 13 children born to the late Albert and Julia (Ermenc) James. Alex was a graduate of East Pictou Rural High School. He immigrated to the United States in February of 1963, first living in Watertown, MA and then settling in Burlington, MA in 1967. He went to Northeastern University nights to earn his Associates Degree. Alex worked as a Master Plumber his entire career. He took great pride in his workmanship. While semi-retired, he worked with Farina Corporation in Charlestown. He had previously worked at J.J. Sullivan Plumbing and Heating in Somerville. Alex’s world revolved around his home and family. He was a loving husband to his wife Laura Mae (Sartoris) for over 49 years. They were wonderful dance partners. They both loved to travel and cherished time with all their family and friends. In Alex’s opinion, no one could cook as well his wife Laura. Alex was one of the few of his siblings to leave Canada, so he routinely returned home to visit with his family and childhood friends, whom he missed dearly. He also helped organize a family trip to Slovenia, to visit the birthplace of his mother and meet relatives who remained in the country. He was a proud and supportive father. He taught his son his trade and worked closely together at James Irrigation, Plumbing and Heating. He was blessed to have 7 grandchildren whom he adored. Alex was happiest when he was spending time with his family, sharing the holidays, and family events, working on projects together, or simply enjoying a good hockey or baseball game on television. Alex was the loving father of Vivian Olsten & her husband Daniel of Billerica, Jeffery & his wife Donna of Woburn, and Angela Anderson & her husband Bryan of Burlington. Grandfather of Shawn & Carly Olsten, Trevor, Cameron, & Teresa James, and Ainsley & Ella Anderson. Brother of Dorothy Morrison, Minnie Sartoris, Annie Swallow, Mary Harned, Rose MacEachern, Bertha Simpson, Johnny, Andrew, Larry, Herbie James all of Canada, and the late Julie Sartoris, and Helen Stewart. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Wednesday September 26 from 5-8 p.m. Services will be held in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Canada on Friday and Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Alexander’s name may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.