James W. Moakley

James W. Moakley, “Jimmy”, of Webster, FL, formerly of Lexington, MA, Billerica, MA, Wilmington, MA, and New Hampshire, passed away at home in Florida on September 5, 2023.

Jimmy was born on November 26, 1936, in Lexington, MA; he was the beloved son of the late Robert P. and Mary E. (Peake) Moakley.  He was one of 11 siblings who were raised and educated in Lexington, Billerica and New Hampshire, before they settled in Wilmington.  Jimmy was a graduate of Shawsheen Tech High School in Billerica with the Class of 1954.

Jimmy enlisted in the United States Air Force in January of 1959 honorably serving the country for 10 years during the Vietnam War.  Jimmy was trained as a Machinist while in the Air Force; a trade he would make a long-time career.  Jimmy was honorably discharged in January of 1969 and returned home to his family.  Upon his return home from active duty, Jimmy went on to continue his education by taking classes at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge and was very proud of that. 

Prior to retiring, Jimmy worked as a machinist for many years with several different machine shops in Massachusetts and Florida.  Following his retirement, Jimmy moved to his home in Webster, Florida in 2007.  Webster is the home of the largest flea market in the State of Florida.  Jimmy enjoyed hunting for treasure and collecting things.

Jimmy was known for his love of music, his favorite being Jazz tunes; he played the harmonica and even had a karaoke and DJ business for several years.  He enjoyed sharing his passion of music with others and he loved to see people have a great time.

Jimmy will be fondly remembered as a quiet guy who was very independent and enjoyed doing things by himself.  He had a passion for animals especially his faithful companion Shirley; his dog.  Jimmy will forever be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jimmy was the dear brother of Frederick Moakley of Raymond, NH, the late Miriam, Margaret, Patrick, Rena, Joseph, Julia, William, Robert, and Mary Jane. Jimmy is survived by many nieces, nephews, and his beloved dog, Shirley.

Jimmy’s family will be receiving people at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Monday, November 20th from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Jimmy’s Life and Military Honors at 1:00 p.m.  Interment will follow in the family lot at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.   

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jimmy's memory may be made to DAV – Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or online at https://www.dav.org/ and click "Donate", or to Sumter County Animal Control, 819 Co Rd 529, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538 or online at https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/1270/Adopt-Today and click "Donations Policy", or any local animal shelter if you prefer.  The family would like to thank the people at Sumter County Animal Control in Florida for taking good care of our sweet Shirley until we could get there from out of state.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com