James Bodwell, Jr.

ALL SERVICES WILL TAKE PLACE IN IPSWICH

IPSWICH - James Everett Bodwell, Jr., 66, loving husband of Nancy Bodwell and father of Jimmy and Allison, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 16, 2023.

Born on October 19, 1957, Jim was the son of the late Jim and Geraldine (Day) Bodwell. Jim was raised and lived in Ipswich.

August 21, 1976, Jim met his soul mate, Nancy. They married on August 31, 1979 and had two children, whom they also raised in Ipswich.

In 1987, Jim broke his back for the second time. Although their lives were turned upside down, Jim became the best “Mr. Mom” while raising his two young children and Nancy was employed at Sylvania to support the family.

A true Ipswichite, Jim was known and loved by so many who met him. With a smile that could light up a room, Jim was the friendliest “nicknaming” person anyone could ever know. Involved with his children’s various activities, Jim was also known as a coach, member of the Ipswich Boosters, as well as the commissioner of the Youth Football Program. He loved to instill his passion for sports with his son and shared that same love with his grandsons.

In 1994, Jim and Nancy purchased a summer home at Totem Pole Park in Freedom, NH. Jim, Nancy and the kids met an enormous amount of friends who became more like family. Jim won many corn hole championships and  loved the game almost as much as the friendships it cultivated.

In 2002, Jim and Nancy were introduced to the Caribbean Islands, which inspired them to live life to its fullest and travel to many locations that were near and dear to their hearts, including their home in Aruba. Jim was especially proud to have just completed this month visiting all the locations from the Beach Boys song, Kokomo.

In addition to the love of his life, Nancy, he is survived by his children, son James Everett Bodwell, III and his wife Genesis; daughter Allison Papaefthemiou and her husband Sam. The world’s greatest Papa to five grandchildren Kendall and Kellan Bodwell, Jett Crowder and Kaiden and Lilliana Papaefthemiou. They made him so proud.

He is also survived by his loving sister Diana Taylor; brother in-law, Ken Cooper and his wife Bunnie; sister in-law Cindy Cooper; niece and nephews, several cousins and great friends. He was predeceased by his brother in-law Myron Taylor and niece Heather Levesque.

Visiting hours are Thursday, December 28 in the Campbell-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High Street, Ipswich from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Family and friends respectfully welcomed. Services will be Friday in the funeral home at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery, Town Farm Road, Ipswich. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the Ipswich Animal Shelter, 17 Fowlers Lane, Ipswich, MA 01938. For guestbook, visit www.campbell-porter.com

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