James, endearingly known as Jim, was the beloved husband of Gail (Temple) McNiff for 51 years. Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in South Boston, MA he eventually moved to and settled with his family in Bourne, MA in 1987.
James was born to the late Thomas P. and Helen (Doyle) McNiff on September 2, 1940. One of four boys, his childhood was filled by many wonderful memories with brothers Tom, Patrick and Joe. A proud Irishman, he would always find an occasion to sing some of his favorite Irish ballads and his tribute to his childhood, "Southie is My Hometown" and "When Irish Eyes Were Smiling" was one of his favorites and he sang it often to his granddaughters when they were babies.
In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his loving children, Kelly McNiff of Bourne, Amy Richards and her husband Benjamin of San Diego, CA and James M. McNiff Jr. of Marshfield. His children were his pride and joy, he always worked hard to ensure they had the best opportunities in life, be it with sports, their education, their families or simple lending an ear to give advice and be a confidant for them.
Jim, endearingly known as Papa to his granddaughters, cherished his time with them. Caelan McNiff, Madison Richards and Abbey Richards are blessed to have had him in their life.
Jim is also survived by his loving brother Joseph McNiff and his wife Janice of Weymouth, MA and his loving sister in law Joan and her husband Paul Shaw of Arlington, MA. In addition, he was blessed to have many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Thomas J. McNiff and John Patrick McNiff.
Beyond his family, Jim achieved many accomplishments in his life. He acquired his Bachelors degree in teaching from the Boston State College, his Masters Degree in Education from Boston College and also studied for his Doctorate in Education at Boston College, but the needs of his family took precedence over completing his dissertation to receive this final degree. He proudly worked for the Boston School Department as a teacher and Pupil Adjustment Counselor for over 40 years. He spent his summers as an Office Manager at Bay View Campground in Bourne, MA for 30 years while spending his off time with his family on the Cape and making cherished memories. Upon retirement, he determined he was not quite ready to take a break and returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher with the Bourne, Falmouth and Upper Cape Vocational Technical School systems.
Always a hard worker, he was a former Executive Board Member for the Boston Teacher's Union and a Candidate for City Councilor in the city of Boston. Jim also volunteered for many committees and was an active member of the Democratic Party, at one point servicing on the Bourne Democratic Town Committee and participating on several presidential campaigns over the years. In his earlier years he was an active member with the Knights of Columbus and worked as a Camp Director with 4H in Sandwich, MA.
To say Jim was a giver, would be an understatement. He gave his time to the children he taught in Boston, he gave his time to the people he supported in politics and the gave the world to his family. There was nothing Jim wouldn't do if asked, he once said, if you say "no" to someone when they ask for your help, they many not have the courage to ask again, don't be the reason they stop asking.
Chuisle mo chroi, the pulse of our hearts, it is time for you to rest.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at St. Margaret's Church 141 Main Street Buzzards Bay, MA. Visitation Wednesday, August 7, 2019 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home 40 MacArthur Blvd., Bourne, MA 02532. Please visit www.nickersonbournefuneralhome for full obituary and online guest book.
