James Chisholm

James E . Chisholm , of Mashpee and Naples, FL, a former longtime resident of Wakefield, died peacefully at the Lahey Clinic on Friday evening, October 19th surrounded by his loving wife of 60 years, Helen, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jim was the founder and former President of JC Marketing Associates of Wakefield.
Jim was born in Woonsocket, RI on April 30, 1930 to Earl and Lucy (Reynolds) Chisholm . He was a 1947 graduate of Woonsocket High School, and attended the University of Rhode Island and Northeastern University where he perfected the craft that eventually led him to Wakefield.
He joined the United States Army at the age of 19, serving in the Korean War, earning the rank of Sgt. 1st Class.
In his early years, Jim was a milkman, a volunteer firefighter, and a news reporter before his professor offered him a job at the newly opened American Mutual Life Insurance Company in Wakefield. He moved his young family to Wakefield in 1958 and eventually opened his own business, Business Building Ideas in 1964. The company became J. Chisholm Associates, and eventually JC Marketing Associates when his two daughters joined him in the family business.
Jim hit the ground running in his adopted hometown of Wakefield, becoming active in many civic and community organizations. He was among the founding members and officers of the Wakefield Little League, a past President of the Wakefield Rotary Club where he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow, a Past President and Director of the Wakefield Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the Jaycees, President of the St. Joseph's Church Holy Name Society, and was a member and Director of the Bear Hill Golf Club. He was named Man of the Year by both the Wakefield Chamber of Commerce and the West Side Social Club for his contribution to his community.
He was also active in many professional organizations, including serving as the President of the Massachusetts Industrial Editors Association, a member of Toastmasters and was a professional/motivational speaker.
Jim was a mentor to many students, fledging business owners and local/municipal officials many of whom became lifelong friends. He gave more than he received, a lesson that he passed on to his three children and seven grandchildren. He was a maverick and pioneer in the public relations field in the Greater Boston area, long before many people knew exactly what it was.
Jim and Helen moved to Mashpee in the mid-1990s when he became active in that community, serving as a Trustee of the Quashnet Valley Condominium Association for many years, and as a member of the Mashpee Community Cable Access Board. He still found the time to work as a driver for a Mashpee business that transported seriously ill and infirm patients to their hospital appointments, brightening their day with his unique brand of humor.
Although he said golf was his first passion, Jim's real passion was his family and extended family. In addition to Helen, whom he married on May 10, 1952, he was the father of three loving children: Ann E . Hadley and her fiancé John Smolinsky of Georgetown; Jayne M. D'Onofrio and her husband David of Wakefield; and James E . Chisholm and his wife Teresa of Lynnfield. He was the loving Gramps of seven grandchildren: Laura Gecoya and her husband David of Middleton; Lea Hadley and Michael Rassiccia of Wakefield; David D'Onofrio and his wife Stacey of Lynnfield; Daniel D'Onofrio and his wife Tara of Melrose; Erika D'Onofrio of Wakefield; Kelsey Chisholm and Kaitlyn Chisholm of Lynnfield. He was the devoted great-grandfather of three: Dominick and Daniel Gecoya, and Alexandra D'Onofrio.
He is also survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and their families. He was predeceased by his brothers Earl and William Chisholm .
Jim's generosity and commitment to life was second-to-none. He always paid-it-forward, never asking for anything in return. His passing leaves a hole in the hearts of his family and friends.
Funeral from the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave, Wakefield on Wednesday at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church 173 Albion St., Wakefield at 10am. Visitation for relatives and friends at the Funeral Home, Tuesday 4-8pm. Interment, Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.
Memorial contributions can be made to the James E . and Helen F. Chisholm Fund, c/o Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield, P.O. Box 321, Wakefield, MA 01880.

Read James Chisholm's Obituary and Guestbook on www.mcdonaldfs.com.

Visitation

McDonald Funeral Home
19 Yale Ave.
Wakefield , MA US 01880
Tuesday, October 23, 2012, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Service

St. Joseph Church
173 Albion Street
Wakefield , MA US 01880
Wednesday, October 24, 2012, 10:00 AM

Cemetery

Massachusetts National Cemetery
Connery Avenue
Bourne , MA US 02532
Wednesday, October 24, 2012, 1:30 PM