James F. McDevitt

McDevitt, James (Jim) F. Age 78, of West Dennis and formerly of Braintree, died peacefully after a battle with Parkinson’s Disease.  Jim was born in Boston and raised in Dorchester, spending his childhood in the St. Mark’s neighborhood.  He graduated from Boston College High School (1962), Boston College (1966) with a degree in Mathematics, and then received his M.B.A. from the University of Rochester in 1968.  Jim met his wife Marilyn on a blind date; they married soon after and made Braintree their home for over 30 years.  They later moved to Marshfield and spent another wonderful 20 years there.  A devout Catholic, Jim was involved in St. Clare Parish in Braintree, teaching CCD, and managing the altar boys.  He was also involved in youth sports as both a coach and board member for Braintree American Little League and Braintree Youth Hockey.  As PTO President with his wife, Marilyn, Jim loved his days helping at Liberty Elementary School and running various school events. 

During his college and graduate years, Jim passed all ten Actuarial exams, then started his career as an Actuary for New England Life Insurance in Boston and rose to various Senior Leadership roles.  He spent a large part of his career in the Actuarial Field and was a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA).  He eventually retired from State Street Bank as the Senior Vice President and Head of the Stable Value Group.  When not at work or watching his three children playing baseball, hockey and gymnastics, Jim would spend time on Cape Cod at their home in West Dennis. He absolutely cherished spending his summer months down the Cape, going to the beach, cooking on the grill, and spending time laughing and making lifelong memories with family and friends.  

Jim was a devoted, loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marilyn, his son Timothy and wife Aimee of Holliston, his son Brian and wife Kristie of Wrentham, and daughter Kristen and late husband David of Andover.  He also leaves behind 9 grandchildren (Kyle, Kayla, Andrew, Jake, Makenzie, Rylie, Colin, Kevin, and Caroline) who all adored him dearly.  His family was the center of his world.  

Jim was a true gentleman, always kind and offering to help. He was a man of faith and truly viewed life as a blessing.  Regardless of the circumstances, Jim greeted you with a warm, welcoming smile. He was a brilliant man, generous, loyal, and loving, and will be greatly missed by all.  Sadly, he never had the opportunity to meet his dad, Arthur McDevitt, who died in WWII while his mother was pregnant with him.  It’s only fitting that he passed on Memorial Day Weekend. We find peace knowing he was unconditionally welcomed with a warm, loving embrace. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jim’s Visiting Hours on Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 4:00-7:00pm at McMaster Funeral Home, 86 Franklin Street (Rt. 37), Braintree. A funeral Mass will be held at the Church of Saint Clare, 1244 Liberty Street, Braintree, at 10:00am on Friday, June 2. Burial will follow at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.  

Donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson Foundation at michaeljfox.org

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