James E. Chadwick Jr. Obituary
James "Chaddy" Chadwick, 87, of Gloucester MA passed away peacefully on Friday, September 1, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Helen Chadwick for 47 years, who passed away on November 26, 2011.
James was born in Gloucester, MA, on June 30, 1936, to the late James E. Chadwick Sr. and Thelma Chadwick Russell. He was a lifelong resident of Gloucester and graduated from Gloucester High School, Class of 1954. Chaddy spent all his working life on the Gloucester waterfront filleting and packing fish at an early age, working as a longshoreman for Elliott Stevedoring, a business agent for the Seafood Workers' Union, and spending 36 years at Gorton's Seafood where he retired in 1995 as a supervisor.
After his retirement, Chaddy was always seen around town with Helen making the rounds and having their coffee. He greatly missed Helen every day after her passing. For over 35 years, Chaddy was actively involved in the local Sunday morning softball league, as a player and coach with the Busy Bee, Lobster Trap and St. Peter's Club. He pitched regularly up until his last season playing and was part of several championships. Chaddy was a great father and was always involved in helping with his two sons' youth sports programs - coaching the Vikings youth football teams, Little League, and Babe Ruth baseball. Even after working all day in the seafood industry, he loved taking his kids fishing at the breakwater and many wharfs in Gloucester. He enjoyed playing all types of card games, especially cribbage. He also enjoyed stopping by the Elks Lodge to see friends and play some pool. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his granddaughters, always ready with a joke and a story about his childhood.
We will miss his wisdom, humor, friendship, and love for life and helping people. Chaddy was always willing to lend a hand to someone in need. During his days coaching youth sports and softball, he was always the first one on the field to help.
James is survived by his son, Jody Chadwick and his wife Cheryl, and his cherished granddaughters, Kelsey and Alexis.
In addition to his loving wife, he was predeceased by his son, James Chadwick; his sister, Helen Chadwick Bell; brothers, William "Butch" Russell, Peter Russell, and William Chadwick.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, September 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. His burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or online at stjude.org.
