Obituary of James Francis Xavier Dinneen

James Francis Xavier Dinneen, “Jim”, 78, of Duxbury, MA, a former Massachusetts Trial Court Judge known for his compassion, rooted in a Jesuit education, passed away on November 30, 2023. Jim was predeceased by his parents, James Francis and Margaret Quinn Dinneen, and his sister Patricia Dinneen.

Like his father, Jim was a “Triple Eagle,” attending Boston College High School (1963), Boston College (1967), and Boston College Law School (1970).

He lived a life committed to public service. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, serving in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps (1971-1974). Following his time in the U.S. Navy, Jim served as an Assistant District Attorney for Middlesex County (1975-1977), an Assistant U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts (1977-1984), and a Massachusetts Trial Court Judge (1990-2011). During his time as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Jim met his wife, Judy Connolly Dinneen, a clerk to a Federal Judge in the Boston Courthouse. They recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary.

Jim was an avid volunteer in his community, the Town of Duxbury, as the Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Finance Committee, a member of the Fiscal Advisory Committee, and the Legislative Aid Task Force. At Holy Family Church, Jim served as a Eucharistic Minister and a teacher in the youth faith education program. Jim served many years as a board member for Duxbury Youth Hockey.

Jim inspired his family and friends with his steadfast integrity and willingness to provide sound personal counsel on all matters. Many people sought his guidance on difficult issues and matters of importance. He was quiet, reflective, and generous with his time and advice. In the tradition of Saint Ignatius Loyola’s Examen, Jim thought deeply about his own actions and the advice he provided to others. It was a practice that made him a successful attorney, trial court judge, and public servant. Most of all, Jim was a giver. He gave his time, his love, and his faith to his family and close friends.

Jim was a scholar, always seeking to learn more about the topics of interest. He could be found in his home office reading constantly about sailing, wooden boat building, rowing, hiking, photography, automobiles, history, bicycles, and his Catholic faith. Jim continued his education throughout his life. If it was of interest to a close friend or family member, Jim would research the topic and converse with them on the subjects they enjoyed. He was engaging and a man of true depth.

To his four sons, Jim was a role model in all areas of his life. In faith, fatherhood, public service, sailing, educational pursuits, philosophy, and friendship, Jim provided a supreme example of how to conduct oneself with integrity.

Jim was a competitive sailor. He sailed in local regattas around New England and his beloved Duxbury Bay. Early in their courtship, Jim invited Judy to Duxbury to race with his fellow sailors in the Duxbury Frostbite Society. Undeterred by this extremely cold “sport”, Judy returned many times to race on the icy waters of Duxbury during the frostbite season. A week prior to their actual wedding, Jim and Judy were “married” in a mock ceremony, in full winter sailing gear, by their Frostbite friends on the banks of the Bluefish River. They continued sailing with the group for years, and forged many lifelong friendships. Jim was an early supporter of the Duxbury Bay Maritime School and a member of the Duxbury Yacht Club. Jim passed on his love of the ocean and sailing to his children and grandchildren.

After surviving a near death case of pneumonia that landed him in the ICU in 2013, Jim fought his way back and went on to see the birth and growth of nine grandchildren. The Dinneen family gratefully thanks the dedicated medical care of Dr. Sunita Sharma and Dr. Akshay Desai (Brigham and Women’s Hospital) and Dr. Ann LaCasce (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute) for their competent and compassionate care that enabled Jim to be such a part of his grandchildren’s lives.

Jim leaves behind his wife, Judith Connolly Dinneen, his sons, James J. Dinneen (Jacklyn), Brian P. Dinneen (Kathryn) of Duxbury, Mark T. Dinneen (Elizabeth) of Hingham, Michael F. Dinneen (his girlfriend Lila Haffey) of Washington DC, Jim’s sister Margot Dinneen Wilson of Washington DC, and nine grandchildren, Vail, Boden, Heidi, Willa, James, Eryn, Alexander, Celia, and Graham, who all know him as “Farfar.” Jim is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.

On Monday December 11, 2023, from 3:00-7:00 PM family and friends will gather to celebrate Jim’s life for a wake at Shepherd Funeral Home at 216 Main Street, in Kingston, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in his honor at 10:00 AM on Tuesday December 12, 2023 at Holy Family Church in Duxbury, followed by the burial at Duxbury Mayflower Cemetery, 774 Tremont Street.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Jim may be made to the Duxbury Bay Maritime School.