Obituary of James Fallon Comeau

James “Jim” Fallon Comeau of Dunstable (formerly of Cambridge, Andover and Arlington) passed away on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 after a long illness, at the age of 73 years.  His wife, Nancy, was at his bedside.  Jim had a brilliant mind, thirst for knowledge, and an unwavering devotion to his family.  His brilliance was only rivaled by his kindness, strong morals, wit and sense of humor.  Jim was born in Cambridge, the son of John and Catherine Comeau. He grew up in Arlington as the eldest brother to three loving siblings.  As a graduate of Arlington High School, Jim was involved in the Debate, Science, and multiple other clubs.  He was a lifelong learner.  He earned his first degree in literature from the University of Rhode Island.  His second bachelor’s degree was in psychology from Boston University.  After earning a perfect score on the entrance exams to law school (LSAT), Jim attended Harvard Law School and was subsequently granted a full scholarship to the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. The education he gained reverberated through his work, his support of his wife’s career, and through the life lessons he provided to his children.

Jim also had a fascinating and winding career path.  He worked as a Teamster for ten years.  During this time, he also attended Boston University while co-parenting a young daughter.  From 1981 to 1995, as a Dorm Director for the Berklee College of Music, he mentored many students and became a father figure to some.  Students kept in touch with Jim long after he left the college. It deeply touched his heart when two sent him Father’s Day cards long after graduation.  While at Berklee, Jim also worked for Test Prep companies and tutored students privately on how to prepare for and take exams required for both business and law school entrance.  In addition to his LSAT perfect score, Jim had a near perfect score on the business school exam (GMAT). For a time, Jim worked at IBM as a help desk manager and ended his working life at the IRS where he became a Union representative and, most recently, conducted identity theft investigations.  He reluctantly retired at the age of 63, due to his diagnosis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). 

Jim had a deep appreciation for music and followed all sorts of music genres.  He especially loved folk music and music that involved story-telling.  Some favorites included Bob Dylan, Mary Chapin-Carpenter, Phil Ochs and his all-time favorite, Gordon Lightfoot.  In college, he had the opportunity to interview Gordon Lightfoot for the school paper -- an experience he talked about for his entire life.  He was a bit of a musician himself, as he played the guitar and sang on stage with friends numerous times. His favorite Christian artist later in life was Stephen Curtis Chapman. Jim shared the love of the ocean with his wife, Nancy and his children.  They loved being near the water and regularly visited beaches in Cape Cod, Myrtle Beach, and more locally.  As a lover of aquariums, he even brought home some of the ocean for fish tanks he shared with his children. He also enjoyed family outings to Plum Island and Walden Pond and travelled with Nancy to visit family in different parts of the country.

Jim came to faith in Jesus Christ after he married his wife, Nancy.  They initially attended Brookridge Community Church, which at the time was located in Andover, MA where they moved to in 1994, after the birth of their son, James Dowling Comeau.  The pastor, Bill Watson, was a great support and influence on Jim’s journey.  Jim was baptized while attending Brookridge.  It didn’t take long for him to get deeply involved in the church.  He taught Sunday School, acted in church plays (his wife was the drama director), and participated in numerous other ministries within the church.  He was more currently involved in New Life Community Church in Concord, where he and Nancy are members.  Jim had a great respect for their pastor, David MacAdam and his wife Mary Ellen.

Jim had a warm and welcoming presence, with undeniable charm and charisma that provided joy to everyone around him.  Jim felt comfortable in all sorts of environments and situations; he could connect with a president of a university as easily as with a fellow teamster.  He could light up a room at a party or captivate a gathering of coworkers.   His kids said, “He was born to be a Dad”.  He was a father figure to his students and his children’s friends; his door was always open if someone needed a place to eat or sleep or needed some parental guidance.  He and his wife Nancy had a special bond and brought a special joy to each other’s lives.  They have been together for 38 years and happily married for 36 of those years.  Their union was intellectual, spiritual and filled with fun and laughter.  Jim’s daughter, Jen, described her dad’s feelings for Nancy saying “Nancy was his world”. 

Jim was the deeply beloved husband of Nancy Marie Dowling.  He was the proud father (aka “Daddo”) of Jennifer (“Jen”) Lynn Comeau of Watertown, Alexandra (“Lexie”) Victoria Dowling Comeau of Melrose, and James Dowling Comeau of Dunstable.  He was the brother of Kate Coggin of Eagle Point, Oregon, John “Jack” Comeau of Portland, Oregon, and Marianne Comeau of Arlington, Massachusetts.  He was the brother-in-law of Gregory and Shirley Dowling of Wisconsin.  He was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Tuesday, August 20 from 4-7 p.m.  A Funeral Service will be held at the New Life Community Church, 221 Baker Ave, Concord on Wednesday, August 21 at 10:30 a.m.  Services will conclude with a burial at Central Cemetery in Dunstable.  Memorials in Jim’s name may be made to the New Life Community Church, 221 Baker Ave, Concord, www.newlife.org.