James M. Sellers

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of James ‘Big Jim’ Sellers, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, who left us peacefully on June 11 at the age of 87.

He is now joyfully reunited with the love of his life, Judith Duffy Sellers, whom he missed dearly every day since her passing in 2023. Their 63-year bond was one of laughter, love, and unwavering devotion, now together again, forever. Even after Judy’s passing, Jim continued attending an Alzheimer’s support group, offering quiet strength, compassion, and a listening ear to others navigating the same difficult path.

Born in Boston to the late Melville Sellers and Anna (Concannon) Sellers. His sister Dorothy (Sellers) Medaglia and brother Richard, both preceded him. Jim was raised in Saugus and was a proud graduate of St. Mary’s High School, Class of 1955, where he forged lifelong friendships that endured through the decades. None more enduring than his friendship with Michael ‘Big Mike’ Dowling, the best of friends that remained unbreakable until Mike’s passing in 2003. Jim later graduated from the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston, setting the foundation for a life defined by teamwork, and a strong work ethic during his 35-year career at the Boston Edison in Everett.

Jim was an avid sports fan and loved the action. Whether it was around the family card table, on the golf course, watching the races, the pool table, or answering rapid-fire questions during Jeopardy! He was a fierce competitor who loved the thrill of the game and always played to win with a big smile. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed running the Senior Golf League in Topsfield for many years.

One of Jim’s greatest joys was ensuring both his own family and the Dowling family spent the month of July together each year at a simple cottage on a New Hampshire lake. A cherished tradition that created a lifetime of laughter, memories of swimming, nightly card games, and the late-night Jeopardy! battle. Later in life, Jim and Judy, became snowbirds, heading to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, each year on January 1st without fail. They always returned home in time to host a family reunion Easter dinner.

Jim is survived by his four sons James and his partner Aimee Gigandet of Newmarket NH, Michael and his partner James O’Neil of Brookline, MA, Thomas and his wife Ann of Wakefield, MA and Edward and his wife Joyce of Whitman, MA. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Elaine, Edward, Thomas, and Matthew. He loved watching their sports games, plays, and with his beloved Judy, creating lifetime vacation memories. He also leaves his stepgrandchildren Dakota and Chase, whom he and Judy welcomed with open arms.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield, MA on Wednesday, June 18 from 4-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of his loving wife, Judy, may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 320 Nevada St, Suite 201, Newton MA 02460