James W. Gleason

James W. Gleason, 86, passed peacefully on April 24th 2024 in his home.

He was born in East Boston, MA on February 3rd, 1938 to Joseph E. Gleason and Elizabeth P. Gleason (Crawford). He was the youngest of 11 children. Jim attended Our Lady of the  Assumption School in East Boston and entered the Seminary in West Haverstraw, NY. He was a Salesian brother from 1960-1975. In 1975 Jim moved back to East Boston and was employed by the Salesian Boys & Girls Club of America where he worked until his retirement in 2019. Jim was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and served as his chapter’s Financial Secretary.

Jim, affectionately known by many as “Pro Shop Jimmy”, dedicated over ten years of service at the TD Garden’s Pro shop in Boston. His nickname was a testament to his enthusiastic presence and engaging interactions with the fans who visited during games. With his signature hard hat and foam finger, Pro Shop Jimmy was a familiar face that attendees eagerly sought for photographs, cherishing an opportunity to capture moments with his legendary persona. Jim loved all Boston sports teams – Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins – but his passion for hockey and the Bruins stood out remarkably. On March 2nd of this year, Jim’s fan loyalty to the black and gold was recognized by his nieces and nephews with his own puck mounted in the fan foyer at Heritage Hall.

The only thing that rivaled his passion for the Bruins was his love and devotion to his family’s nieces and nephews. Uncle Jim was legendary in the family for the kindness, attention, love and support he bestowed on them. He remembered every birthday, anniversary, and graduation - a noteworthy talent! Uncle Jim loved to travel and combined that passion with his love of family by making every effort to attend milestone events no matter how far he had to travel.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, all 10 siblings and 7 nieces and nephews. Jim is survived by 13 nieces and nephews, 27 grand-nieces and nephews, and 19 great-grand-nieces and nephews. Jim was a beacon to everyone, inspiring and uplifting them with his genuine spirit, and his kind and generous heart.

Visiting hours in the Magrath Funeral Home, 336 Chelsea St [at Day Sq] EAST BOSTON on Tuesday morning, April 30, 9:30 - 11:30 AM. Relatives and friends invited.

Funeral Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, 45 Brooks St., East Boston at Noon.

Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden

At Jim's request, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Salesian Boys and Girls Club of East Boston would be appreciated.

Please leave messages of condolence for the family on Jim's Tribute Page

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