Obituary of James Curtin

James, “Jim” Curtin died peacefully with his family by his side on October 7. Jim was a legendary educator and baseball coach at Burlington High School for over 50 years. The son of the Late “Barney” and Mary Curtin grew up in Somerville and attended Matignon High School where he met the love of his life, Jewel,”Judy” (McHugh) Curtin. Jim went on to Boston College where he starred in Baseball eschewing professional baseball offers to teach and coach in the town of Burlington. He graduated college, accepted a teaching position and got married within 3 weeks in June of 1959. He was married for 56 wonderful years raising 7 children. Most people know Jim Curtin as a successful Baseball coach having won over 600 games and inducted in the Massachusetts Baseball coaches Hall of Fame. His teams won 10 League championships and countless players went on to play at the college and professional levels. He was beloved by his players because of his infectious knowledge of the game and his unusual gift of connecting with young people on and off of the field. His love of coaching baseball was only surpassed by his love of his wife and family. He was immensely proud of his children and his 17 grandchildren. He would always deflect any public recognition by introducing his family. This could be at his Hall of Fame induction or his retirement party each child would be asked to stand up as he would describe where they went to college and what they did for work. Providing his children with the best education was his proudest achievement as all of his seven attended either Boston College or Harvard University. He is survived by his wife and seven children. His wife Jewel, “Judy” (McHugh) Curtin of Burlington, Son James Patrick Curtin jr of Austin, Texas, Son John ,”Jack” Curtin and his wife Donna(Nangle) of Litchfield, NH, Daughter, Kathleen Marie(Curtin) Perry and husband Ernest “EJ” Perry of Andover, Kevin Curtin and his wife Eileen (Comeau) of Burlington, Daughter Julie Ann Aloise and husband Robert of Glastonbury Ct, Daughter Mary Jo Schorr and husband James of Burlington as well as Daughter Maureen Neiberger and husband Joseph of Framingham Ma.. He also leaves his brother Paul Curtin and wife Mildred of Littleton, Ma and a loving sister Mary Ann Deboer and husband Merle of Nevis, MN. He also leaves 17 loving grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church at 10 a.m. Burial to follow. Visiting hours Monday 4-8 p.m. Memorials in Jim’s name may be made to St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington, MA 01803 or Thoracic Aortic Center at Mass General Hospital, Yawkey 5, 55 Fruit St. Boston, MA 02114 Family Remembrance by Jim Curtin Jr. Thank you. Thank you all for being here. I'm here to give a short talk on a long life. How to capture almost eight decades in five minutes. For all of us who knew him, and what he has been through, we know he earned every second of it too. I found myself saying over and over last night that he fought for every breath these last years, and every breath was a gift to us. Dad, you were the toughest guy I know. Baseball was a beautiful, unendingly passion for dad, and his 600 wins, 10 championships, 4-time coach of year, and the honor of having that award renamed for him, attest to his embrace of the sport with determination and purpose; with love and respect for the game. But today, in this church, where he worshipped all of his adult life, a place of comfort and of the spirit, rather than continue to list his accolades and accomplishments, which would take more than the time I have, let us celebrate the spirit that animated his life. His biggest accomplishment by far, and the one he was most proud, and to which he dedicated his life, was his family. My brothers and sisters… Brothers and sisters in laws and all the grandkids. And of course, his beloved Jewel, who truly was, the jewel of his life… He loved us all in a way that asked little but gave all. What is more remarkable, is the love, energy, respect and attention he gave to so many of others who sit here now paying respect, and giving honor to his life. I speak for all of you when I say, this man, this precious soul, was loved. This man was loved... deeply, truly, storybook-stuff, by a woman who gave him all of her heart, her love and her life. And what a beautiful epic life they've had together. In our quiet reflection, let us celebrate that. This man was loved. - wholeheartedly, by seven children who each cherish treasured personal relationships with him, making us each feel like we were the most amazing creations in the whole world... We will fight back the grief in time, and we will celebrate that. This man was loved. - by players, students, people he touched. Players who would bring tears to my eyes throughout the years, as a grown man, and so many last night, who came to his wake, hearing them talk about the impact that Coach Curtin or Mr Curtin had not only as a coach or teacher, but as a role model - no wonder so many went on to similar paths in life. So many people’s lives have been positively influenced and inspired by his quiet example. Think of the lives he's touched – several hundred players, several thousand students, and the people these people went on to touch… This man was loved. Let us all Celebrate that. Husband, father, coach, and to me, the greatest title he had of all was Teacher. Not only because it is a noble profession, often thankless and humbling, but, certainly - a rewarding form of service, But in the Bigger meaning of Teacher. A Teacher of Life. I am so blessed to have had him and my mother as parents. They are inseparable, and share all the love and accolades as one. They are inseparable. Since High School, when he asked her, at 16, to go steady after two weeks of dating, And as my mom said, it was just assumed, they would marry… They have walked the path of life together.... and what a wonderful journey it has been... Mom, you are surrounded by Love and blessings. Your handsome prince sits not at your hand, no, but in your heart and ours deeply as long as we all shall live. When I think of his example and the lessons I’ve learned, of the consistently demonstrated wisdom of this teacher; I think my brothers, sisters, my mom and many of his students and athletes would agree with these... and my kids :) God gave &quote;you&quote; talents; make the best use of them. (don't squander your god-given talents). He saw potential and talents in everyone. His life was dedicated to nurturing and fostering the potential of young people. Be a Good person. Keep your poise. And, Don't quit. (have faith) Dad was a fighter. In the never, ever quit meaning. Of course his actions and examples taught me the most, and are his most profound lessons to me. His integrity How he extended dignity to each and every person How he treated everyone with respect, and how that earned the respect of others in return. How in a house dominated by older boys and sports, he raised his daughter’s to know no limits in their lives, and believe they could accomplish anything – whether on the field, in the class, or in the world – Curtin Girls have special blood  His example of service to young lives, his love and sacrifice for the one's he loved… that is his legacy. Old-school, being-a-man stuff. He was a GOOD man. He was a good MAN. He is who I will always aspire to be... Let's celebrate that. We love you, Dad.