James C. Grady Memorial Scholarship

Jim was a lifelong resident of Wakefield. Born at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital in 1954, he grew up on Morrison Ave., where he continued to live until his passing on August 19th, 2018. He was a graduate of Wakefield High School, in the class of 1972. After high school, he went on to Bridgewater State College, earning a degree in early childhood education and obtaining his Massachusetts Teaching Certificate. “Grady”, as he was called by those closest to him, came into our lives by way of his friend and co-worker Gene Fields, at Gallahue’s Supermarket on Main St. in Wakefield. One summer Sunday, Gene invited him over to swim at our grandparent’s pool. It is said, that was the day Jim came over … and never left. He forever became family to us all. He was ever-present at family parties, birthdays, funerals, and celebrations. At many of these events he was often making a spectacle of himself, keeping us in tears with laughter. There are too many stories to share but it’s those stories that help keep his memory alive for us all. When a loved one passes, all too often you learn things about them you never knew. For example, Jim was an amazing photographer, taking poetic portraits of fellow college students. He also had a passion for the music of his generation, from the well-known Beatles to the less known, but equally great in his eyes, Duke and The Drivers. He loved live music and had an extensive collection of campus ad posters with bands that he went to see. As an adult, he enjoyed summers at his camp in Maine, where he became known for his Fourth of July Fireworks show and his annual Labor Day Breakfast. The latter, a fundraiser, has raised thousands of dollars for those in need. The campground and his close friends decided to continue both the breakfast and the fireworks show in his memory. But, the most memorable part of having Jim in our lives was his kindness, generosity, and his unwavering friendship, all powered by his happy, fun-loving personality.