James N. Trites, 88, of Wilmington

James N. Trites, age 88, of Wilmington, formerly of Billerica, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2016 at Care One of Wilmington.

James was born on March 6, 1928 in Stoneham, MA; he was the cherished son of Frank and Alice (McPartland) Trites. James was raised in a large family in Stoneham and attended St. Patrick’s High School.

Following high school, James enlisted in the United States Navy on February 9, 1946 and proudly served as a fireman aboard the USS Chicago CA-29 and USS Boston CA-69 during World War II. James was honorably discharged on December 3, 1947; returning home to his family.

James married his “sweetheart” Marion S. Cutter on July 6, 1957; the couple shared many wonderful years together before her passing in April of 2006. James and Marion moved to Wilmington in 1957 where they raised their two boys, Bill and Paul.

James went on to continue his education at the Peterson School of Steam Engineering; following graduation, he went to work as a Stationary Engineer for Atlantic Gelatin, where he worked for 49 years.

James was always doing for others and was involved in many organizations; he was a lifetime member of the Stoneham VFW #620, the Wilmington American Legion #117 and was very active in the Tewksbury and Billerica Senior Citizens Centers.

In his spare time, James enjoyed watching the Red Sox, Bruins and Patriots and enjoyed candlepin bowling and playing cards; his favorite card game was cribbage which he played regularly with family and friends.

James was the beloved husband of the late Marion S. (Cutter) Trites, devoted father of Bill Trites & his wife Kathie of Lancaster, PA and Paul Trites & his wife Erin of Wilmington, loving “Grump” of James and Aidan Trites, cherished son of the late Frank and Alice (McPartland) Trites, dear brother of Donald Trites of Reading, Richard Trites of FL, the late Earl Trites, Albert Trites, Arlene Trites and Doris Gill. James is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Service at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Wednesday, August 31st at 11:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors to follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 30th from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Memorial donations in James’ name may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Obituary courtesy of the Nichols Funeral Home.