Joseph James Airey

Joseph James Airey(Jim), 85,  of Ayer, Ma (formerly of Groton Ma) passed away peacefully with support and care from his large and loving family on July 26, 2017 at Apple Valley Center in Ayer Ma.

Jim is survived by his wife of 65 years, G. Marilyn Airey of Ayer (formerly of Groton Ma ), brother John and Rose Airey; sister Leslie(Airey) Greenbank;  son Jay Airey of Mason, NH, daughter Eileen (Airey) Couture, her husband Paul of New Ipswich, NH, son Ron Airey, his wife Teresa of Ashby Ma, daughter Susan (Airey) Jordan, her husband Dave of Ashby, Ma, daughter Karen (Airey) Michalowski, her husband Dave of So. Deerfield, Ma; He also leaves 24 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by a daughter Jacquelyn(Airey) LaFlamme; son David E. Airey

Jim was born in Woburn, Ma. to Beulah and Joseph L. Airey of Woburn, Ma. Jim and Marilyn began raising their family in Tewksbury Ma where his career took him to the beautiful town of Groton Ma.  from 1965-2011.  He served in the Massachusetts Air National Guard and retired in 1957 as Sergeant first class of the 182nd Infantry.  Jim received an Engineering degree from Lowell Technical Institute  and worked as an Electrical/Mechanical Engineer for Brunswick Corp from 1965- 1972.  He later worked at Starmet Powders LCC, Concord Ma where he  produced titanium alloy powdered material for orthopedic prosthetic devices and retired in 1997.  Jim enjoyed working part time during his post retirement at ACE Hardware in Groton.  Jim made lifelong relationships with many coworkers over the years, up until his passing, meeting regularly with former workmates. He most enjoyed his family life with yearly camping trips, usually to surprise destinations.  For Jim, family was the center of his life. He was truly devoted to his wife, his high school sweetheart, Marilyn. He was never happier than when being surrounded by family, never missing a birthday, outing or event and there were a lot of them! Jim was a devoted father and an active community member. He served on the Board of Health in Groton.  He was dedicated to his catholic faith and served for several years as a Sunday school teacher at Sacred Heart in Groton.   Jim volunteered for four years at Seven Hills Pediatric Center in Groton.  Jim also volunteered faithfully for 17 years for the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Emerson Hospital.

Above all of Jim’s accomplishments he will forever be remembered for his deep dedication to family, his ever so kind heart and his loving, gentle spirit.

All are welcome to join us in a memorial mass to be held Friday, August 4th at 10:00am at Our Lady of Grace Parish  worshipping at St. Josephs Church  28 Tarbell St, Pepperell, Ma 01463.

There will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service is being planned by the family.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jim’s name to

The Emerson Hospital Cardiac Rehab Program

133 ORNAC

Concord Ma 01742: https://www.emersonhospital.org/Support/Giving/MakeAGiftOnline.aspx