James E. "Jim" Halligan II

James “Jim” Edward Halligan II, “The Man, The Myth, The Legend – “The Bad Influence” went to his eternal party in the sky on Wednesday, April 5th, 2023. Jim was born on March 20th, 1953, to James E. Halligan and Emma (Carpenter) Halligan. The second of 7 siblings and the oldest boy, he could be counted on to both protect his clan and cause chaos among his busy and crowded Irish Catholic home. He attended Sacred Heart School and St. Bernard’s High School. He worked in the bearings industry his whole life, including Advanced Bearing and Eastern Bearing and most recently Eastern Industrial Automation until he retired in 2018.

He was married for 47 years to the most patient woman in the world, Judy (Buswell) Halligan, who tolerated his constant shenanigans the best she could. They met at Bradlees in Leominster 50 years ago. Together they enjoyed bowling in several different leagues. They just recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary, on Jim’s birthday (a date he chose so he “wouldn’t forget” their anniversary!) Together they created 3 beautiful children, daughters Michelle (Belleza) and Maureen (Dupuis), and son Shaun, his living legacy.

Jim liked to look and act tough, but deep down he was smart, kind, loving, and most of all fun, especially to his beloved grandchildren. Papa Jim spent countless hours with hisprecious grandbabies – Molly and Mackenzie Belleza, Ruby and Paisley Dupuis, Saoirse, Shealeigh, and Connor Halligan, and Kai Johnson. He loved to read to them, watch cartoons and movies with them, and best of all eat junk food with them. He was known to enjoy Bugles and Hot Fries and Fritos Scoops, any kind of chocolate with caramel, and big bowls of ice cream. Papa could always be counted on to have pizza when they visited, which made every visit special. He did his best to attend recitals and games and chorus and band performances any chance he got. Being “Papa” is the part of his life that he truly excelled at, a role that came so naturally to him, especially in his later years.

He loved all local professional sports teams, and he was a die-hard member of the Fenway Faithful.He was especially fond of any team his grandchildren played on, be it basketball, field hockey, soccer, cheerleading, or track. He was so proud to cheer his grandchildren on any chance he got. One of his granddaughters noted however that he preferred to “watch” the Sox on the radio over watching on TV, which we all lamented at the time but would give anything for one more game on ‘EEI with Papa.

Speaking of the radio, music spoke to him, and often for him. The louder the better. If Jim had the radio on, you could bet he was listening to one of his favorites: the J. Geils Band or Aerosmith, both of whom he loved to see live in concert with his kids. Classic rock was the perfect fit for our Classic guy. On the weekend mornings though, it was Irish music on WEIM, which his children hated in their younger days. They grew to love listening to Irish music with their dad however, especially when watching his granddaughters perform in Irish Step shows. He was so proud of his heritage.

In his free time, he enjoyed playing darts and cribbage, especially with Maureen and Shaun. But he loved to read more than anything else. He loved action and suspense, and some of his favorite authors were Steven King, and Harlan Cobin.

In addition to his beloved family, he leaves his siblings Mary Lupis, and Kathy, Denny, Karen and Marty Halligan. He is predeceased by his parents and brothers Shawn and Kevin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s name to the Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg, a place near and dear to the family’s hearts:

Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg

15 Memorial Dr.

Lunenburg, MA 01462

www.bgcluboflunenburg.com

Jim’s funeral will be held on Friday, April 21st at 10:30am at the United Parish in Lunenburg, with an “afterparty” to follow at the Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg. Friends and family in attendance are encouraged to wear Papa’s favorite color – green. “Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

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