James E. Fahey

James E. Fahey, 85, passed away at his home in Braintree, surrounded by family, on March 31, 2015 after a brief illness.

Jim was a resident of his beloved Braintree for the last 45 years. Born on October 21, 1929 to James and Mary (Spriggs) Fahey, he was raised and educated in Roxbury. It was in the backyard of his childhood home that his lifelong love of history was born, after digging up an old Revolutionary War bayonet at age 10. Once old enough, he enlisted in active duty with the United States Coast Guard and proudly served his country over the next 20 years here in the U.S. and overseas. In 1967 he retired from the Coast Guard as Chief Petty Officer after a distinguished career in Air and Sea Rescue. Because of this service, he held a deep respect and admiration for all service men and women. From his early found love of history he began a long career in military history research and archaeology. Some of his works took him as far away as Russia, Germany and France. In 1989 he appeared in an issue of National Geographic for his work done in French caves. In 1990 he was the recipient of the prestigious Oliver Wendall Holmes Jr. Award for his outstanding efforts in the preservation and education of the American Civil War. In 2009 he was awarded the Martin Luther King Jr. Peacemaker Award for serving the town of Braintree, through his work at the Braintree Historical Society. Anyone who knew Jim, knew what a great sense of humor he had. His practical jokes and antics were legendary. His faith and family were the most important to him.

He was the beloved husband of 55 years to Joan P. (Manton) Fahey.  He was the loving father of Maureen Reynolds of Braintree, Kim Fahey of Braintree, Donna Shuttleworth and her husband Scott of Quincy, James Fahey, Jr. and his wife, BPD Lisa, and Tina Bongo of Hull; brother of Patricia Smith of Braintree and the late Dennis, Walter, Sr. Daniel Marie and William. Loving “Papa” of Thomas James Jr., Danielle, Jaclyn, James, Sydney, Michael, Austin, CJ and Mark. In addition his furry companion Suki.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Monday 4-8 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Rte 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital). Relatives and friends will gather in the funeral home at 9:30 AM on Tuesday prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Francis of Assisi Church, Braintree at 10:30 AM. Interment will be held on Thursday, April 9 at 1:45 PM at MA National Cemetery, Bourne. Donations may be made to VNA Care Network/Hospice,  or in Jim’s memory perform a random act of kindness!