Folsom Funeral Service

Lester, James M.

James Matthew Lester, a longtime resident of Dedham, died Thursday, December 28, 2023 at his home in Dedham. He was 94. James was born October 28, 1929 in Boston, Massachusetts a son of James Joseph and Agnes (Gavin) Lester, immigrants from Ireland. He graduated from Cathedral High School in Boston and worked for 42 years as a butcher for Stop & Shop stores. James was a member of Dedham Council #234 of the Knights of Columbus, the Norwood and Dedham Retired Men’s Clubs, and of the Norwood Senior Center. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary P. “Maureen” (Coleman) Lester and the devoted father of James M. Lester Jr. of Dedham and JoEllen Gurman of Taunton. He was the brother of Thomas Lester, Carol Gallagher, and the late Mary Donahue, and the loving grandfather of Joshua Gurman and Kaitlyn Misner. Visiting hours will be held Thursday from 8-10 am at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High St., WESTWOOD followed by his funeral mass in St. Mary’s Church, 420 High St., DEDHAM at 10:30. Interment will be in Brookdale Cemetery, Dedham. In lieu of flowers donations to St. Mary’s Life Teen, 25 Avery St., Dedham, MA 02026 would be appreciated. The family would like to extend a special ‘Thank You’ to the staff of LilyCare for their exceptional level of compassion and care.

Guestbook Entries

  1. December 31st, 2023 | 7:30 pm

    This man gave me a very dear friend,his daughter, JoEllen.He gave her superior values for which she lives by. James was happy,friendly and always brought smiles to those who knew him. He will be missed. Love, Joan & Stan

  2. January 1st, 2024 | 12:37 am

    So sorry to know that Jim has passed. I’m sure there will be a happy celebration waiting to greet him in heaven. He was such a nice man.
    I am in Georgia and so sorry to miss his funeral.
    Prayers for all of you.
    Mary Lou Killelea

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Folsom Funeral Service

Folsom Funeral Service