James Mallon Passes Away

James Edward Mallon, Jr. of Reading, MA , age 91, died in Wakefield, Sept. 25 after a short illness.

Born November 19, 1925, in Medford, eldest child of James Edward Mallon and Marjorie Claire (Schofield) Mallon, Jim was raised with a large extended family in the Edgeworth neighborhood of Malden, attending parochial schools and graduating from Malden Catholic High School in 1943. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 30, 1943, serving with Marine Transport Squadron VMR 352 as an Aerial Radio Operator in the Pacific Theater during World War II, receiving an honorable discharge in July 1945. He returned home, graduating from Malden Business School.

Jim married the love of his life, his wife Cora, on June 10, 1956, starting their family together and moving to Reading in 1959. He was employed early in his career as a “Clerk of the Works” for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts during the construction of Route 128, and went on to a long career as a sales representative for LJ Risman Co of Medford, and George Melhado Co of Hyde Park. He earned the down payment for his home in Reading playing poker at the Malden American Legion Post 69 and various haunts in Reading, and enjoyed playing against his World War 1 Veteran friends as “they always thought the young guys didn’t know how to play cards.”

Jim was a loving and caring father and husband. Generous and helpful to his many friends and family, “Grampa” was always involved with the academic and athletic pursuits of his cherished grandchildren, and enjoyed being a great-grandparent as well. He sported the Mass Veteran’s License Plate “MC43” for many years, in recognition of his two favorite institutions; Malden Catholic High School and the U.S. Marine Corps, and his graduation and enlistment in 1943. “Jimmie”, to close family and friends, grew up depression-era poor but was wealthy in family and friends. His family included his younger siblings; he was predeceased by William, Peggy (Collins), and Ruth (Worthylake), and is survived by Robert of Stoneham, and Ann (Nancy) Martinson of Simi Valley CA, and sister-in-law Beverly Mallon of Southborough. Jim enjoyed a very close relationship with his daughter-in-law Diane, beginning upon their first meeting when he quizzed her on identifying the song and performer on the radio. When she correctly guessed “In The Mood” by Glenn Miller they became fast friends.

He was of Irish and English ancestry and never missed listening on Saturday afternoons to Celtic music on WGBH, and sang a few Irish songs with the Winchester Hospital staff a few days before passing. He enjoyed a day out at the local pub as late as this past Labor Day weekend. His interests included music and Boston sports teams. He struggled with deteriorating health in recent years but was always pleasant and dignified, aware and able to converse and inquire about the lives of his grandchildren and their families.

He leaves his beloved wife of 61 years, Cora (Kretz) of Reading, his sons Kenneth of Thomasville GA, and Stephen and daughter-in-law Diane of Springvale, ME, grandchildren Stephen of Shenzhen, China, Sarah Clark and husband Daniel of Lynn Haven, FL, and Susanne Payeur and husband Craig of Sanford, ME, and great-grandchildren Grant and Brooke. Always a gentleman, loving and loyal to family and friends, he served his country with honor.

Jim’s funeral will be held from the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading on Tuesday, October 3 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Agnes Church 186 Woburn St. Reading at 10:30 a.m. Burial with military honors to follow at Forest Glen Cemetery, Reading. Following the burial family and friends are invited to Bunratty Tavern 620 Main St. in Reading. There are no visiting hours.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in James’s memory to Friends of the Reading Public Library 64 Middlesex Ave. Reading MA 01867, The Marine Corps League c/o Marine Corps League National Headquarters 3619 Jefferson Davis Highway Suite 115 Stafford VA 22554, or The Fund for Malden Catholic High School C/O Malden Catholic High School 99 Crystal St. Malden, MA 02148.