HAVERHILL - James P. Boland, 95, lifelong resident of Bradford and Haverhill, passed away peacefully on July 30, after a period of declining health.

Jim was the son of Thomas H. and Mary (Cronin) Boland. He was a wonderfully charismatic man, artistic, witty, and genuine. He was devoted to his wife, Rose, admired and adored by his children and grandchildren, and loyal to his many friends.

During his senior year at St. James High School, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a radioman, stationed in Guam. Following his service, Jim attended the Wentworth Institute in Boston to become an electrician. He earned his Master's degree in secondary education from Fitchburg State, and spent his career teaching at the Haverhill Trade School and Whittier Vocational High School, retiring as the Director of Trades.

Jim and Rose lived a very happy and faith-centered life for 69 years, and together they raised five lucky and grateful children.

In his later years, Jim dedicated countless volunteer hours to the food pantry at Sacred Hearts Parish. He was also a founding member of the Manhattan Club at 22 Leroy.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and all of his siblings, including his brother, Bill, who beat his older brother to heaven by just one day. He is survived by wife Rose; their children, Jim (Cheryl), Marianne (Chris) Howard, Andrea (Jim) Marmo, Matt (Cristina), and Bob (Shelby); 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; and very dear friends, Danny Lucia, Heather Langlois, and Marilyn Sweeney.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 4 in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Haverhill from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Services will begin Saturday in the funeral home at 9:30 AM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Sacred Hearts Church, 165 S. Main Street, Haverhill at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Salem Street, Haverhill.

Contributions in his memory may be made to either St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105; or Sacred Hearts Parish, 165 South Main Street, Bradford, MA, 01835. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com