Obituary of James Nevins

James L. Nevins, Jr., a Retired Deputy Associate Director at Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 84. Jim had a distinguished career developing cutting edge technology used in the space program and commercial industries. Jim grew up in North Cambridge, graduating from Cambridge High and Latin School. After his first year at Northeastern University, he enlisted in the Army to fight in World War II. After the War, he returned to earn a BS in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University and a Masters in Aeronautical Engineering from MIT. While attending Northeastern, he married his classmate, Mabel Rose. Jim contributed to the Apollo Space Program as one of the architects of the Apollo Guidance Computer. He spent a large portion of his career developing automated manufacturing systems. He was awarded several patents for his work in robotics, published extensively, authored numerous books, and traveled widely for academic missions and technical conferences. Jim spent over 40 years with Draper Labs, always working on cutting edge technology and loving every minute of it. Following his retirement from Draper, Jim continued working, this time as a consultant at Arthur D. Little. He was a member of numerous industry and academic organizations, including The International Federation on Automatic Control. He was also a member of the Quarter Century Clubs at MIT and Draper . Jim believed in giving back to his community. In Burlington, he was a strong and influential member of the Route 3A and Bike Path Committees. At his vacation home on Lake Winnipesaukee, he served as President of the Island Civic Association. He embraced all these tasks with the same conviction, creativity, and planning that he used in his workplace. There was always a goal, and Jim loved working on the details to meet the challenge at hand. Jim lived an active and healthy lifestyle. He embraced life and lived it to the fullest. He was a resident of Burlington for the past 56 years, and was one of the founding members of the Burlington Country Club in 1957. He spent many enjoyable years vacationing on Lake Winnipesaukee. He skied until age 78, and was a member of the Silver Streaks at Waterville Valley Ski Resort. He enjoyed hiking all over New Hampshire. He loved the water, along with snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, canoeing, and motor boating. His island retreat was the place where his family often gathered and where they formed countless lasting memories. He was a devoted and caring husband, father, and grandfather. He showed his sons how to embrace challenges in their lives, not to fear failure, but to persevere to achieve their desired goals in life. Jim was the beloved husband of 64 years of Mabel A. (Rose) Nevins of Burlington. He was the loving father of Gary of Arlington, Steven of Beverly, and Paul & his wife Eleanor of Portsmouth, NH. He was the brother of Muriel Heffernan of Southborough. He was the proud grandfather of Morgan, Travis, and Rachel Nevins. He was the dear son of the late James L. Nevins, Sr. and the late Muriel Nevins Brown. Funeral services will be held at a future date. For Jim’s online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net. Arrangements by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington.