James Thomas Kilmartin

James “Jim” T. Kilmartin, 88, peacefully passed away on Monday, June 6, 2016 in Chandler, Arizona. Born February 4, 1928, in the Bronx, New York, he was the son of the late Thomas Kilmartin and Rose (Kilmartin) Schuman. Being born and raised in the Bronx, it is no surprise that Jim was a life-long fan(atic) of the New York Yankee’s. He had many fond memories of attending baseball games with his mother Rose, sitting in the outfield bleachers under the well-known Hess sign.

After graduating from Haaren Aviation High School, Jim served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1947, stationed aboard an escort carrier, the USS Badoing Strait. After the service, Jim became a professional roller derby skater, where he competed for the New York Chiefs (in the late 40’s and early 50’s), winning the World Series of Roller Derby in 1951. His vocational success as a purchasing agent and director (in the insurance and healthcare industry) can be directly attributed to his devoted work ethic.

In 1953 he married his first wife, Julia McGuinness, and together they had six children (Jim, Maureen, Tom, Juliann, Kerry and Kelly); Julia passed away in April 1981. In 1985 he remarried to Joan (Esposito) Coffey, a mother of two (Dawn and Maureen). Now a blended family, Jim was ready to retire and Joan was ready for the sunshine. In 1991 they built their dream home and moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona. Shortly after moving to Arizona, Jim joined the local softball team, Sun Lakes Blues, and for over 20 years the ballfield was his second home.

Jim is survived by his wife of over 30 years Joan, his children, cousins and many friends. He also leaves behind 18 grandchildren (Laura, Nicholas, James, Sean, Denise, Stephen, Kimberly, Michael, Patricia, Christopher, Kevin, Bradley, Mary, Patrick, Julia, Melissa, Gregory, and Joseph) and 14 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be planned for November 2016 (date to be determined) at the "Field of Dreams" ballfield in Sun Lakes. Burial services will be privately held in the Bronx, New York. Memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to the Dobson Home (Hospice of the Valley), 1188 North Dobson Road, Chandler, Arizona 85224.