James J. Harrington Obituary

James Joseph "Jimmy" Harrington, 48, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, in Danvers, Massachusetts. Born on August 7, 1977, in New York City, Jimmy was the beloved son of Kathleen Gatens Harrington and James Harrington. Though his loss is immeasurable, those who loved him find comfort knowing he is now at peace.

Jimmy's life revolved around his greatest loves: his boys, Grady and John, his wife, Lizzie, and the water. Nothing made him happier than being "Down River" on the Essex River with his boys and Lizzie beside him — driving his boat through the marshes, fishing together, laughing, and creating the kind of memories that will live on forever. The river was where Jimmy felt most himself, and where his family saw him at his happiest.

Jimmy was endlessly proud of Grady and John and the life that he and Lizzie had created. He loved teaching his boys everything he knew — how to fish, how to drive a boat, how to swing a golf club, how to throw a baseball, and how to work with their hands. Whether he was cheering from the sidelines at a baseball game, grilling dinner for his family, or spending a quiet afternoon on the water, Jimmy treasured simply being their dad. His sons were his greatest accomplishment and the center of his world.

A gifted craftsman with an incredible ability to fix just about anything, Jimmy built a life doing what he loved. His passion for sailmaking and canvas work led him to open his own business, North Shore Sails and Canvas, in Essex, Massachusetts. Friends and family knew there was almost nothing Jimmy couldn't repair, build, or figure out. He worked with his hands, solved problems instinctively, and took pride in helping others whenever they needed him. One of his proudest projects was building his own boat — a labor of love that became the backdrop for countless adventures with Grady and John on the Essex River.

Jimmy is predeceased by his brother Daniel Harrington and his parents, Kathleen Gatens Harrington and James Harrington. He is survived and will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Elizabeth Harrington; his cherished sons, Grady and John Harrington; his brother Patrick Harrington; and his sisters Kathleen and Moira Harrington. He also leaves behind his Aunt Mary Alice Harrington, sister-in-law Dory Day, brother-in-law Geoff Day, and seven nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and who he loved beyond measure.

Jimmy was known for his sharp wit, contagious laugh, unforgettable stories, and his famous "Irish Goodbye.". He could make anyone feel like an old friend and had a way of filling every room with laughter. To know Jimmy was to love him.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. in the Greely Funeral Home located at 212 Washington Street in Gloucester, MA, followed by a memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church located at 62 School Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a GoFundMe to benefit Grady, John and Lizzie in their time of loss. Contributions can be made here: https://gofund.me.