James Matthew Lester Jr.

James Matthew Lester Jr., affectionately known as Jimmy, a lifelong resident of Dedham, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.

Jimmy was born on June 15, 1964, in Boston, to James and Mary (Maureen) Lester. He was a bright and determined man who graduated from Northeastern University in 1987 summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Throughout his life, Jimmy was a man who believed in showing up for the people he loved. He worked as a Senior Accountant/Financial Systems Analyst for Marcam Corporation, and later as a delivery driver for Papa Gino's. But his greatest contributions were not measured by a job title or a paycheck. They were measured by the countless ways he helped the people around him.

In his later years, Jimmy devoted himself to caring for his father. He was a loving and steadfast caregiver, giving his time, energy, and heart to make sure his father was never alone. The same generosity extended to his family, friends, and neighbors. Jimmy was the person people could count on. He shoveled snow, helped with yard work, made trips to the grocery store, drove people to doctors' appointments, and stepped in whenever someone needed a hand.

If someone needed help, Jimmy was there. He never needed recognition or praise. Helping others was simply who he was.

Jimmy has a quiet way of making a difference. He kindness, dependability, and willingness to help will be remembered by the many people whose lives he touched. For those closest to him, his absence will leave a space that cannot be filled.

Jimmy is survived by his loving sister, JoEllen Gurman, and her partner, Douglas Marchetti; his niece, Finn (Kaitlyn) Misner, and fiancé, Kim Jones; and his nephew, Joshua Gurman, and wife, Kayla Gurman.

To his family, Jimmy was not only a brother, uncle, and son-he was someone they could turn to, someone who cared deeply, and someone who's presence brought a sense of comfort and security. He will be remembered with love, gratitude, and countless memories that will remain long after his passing.

• Jimmy will be deeply missed by his family, friends, neighbors, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a testament to the simple but powerful act of being there for others, and that is a legacy that will live on.
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A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 420 High Street, Dedham, MA, on September 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Brookdale Cemetery in Dedham.

• In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jimmy's memory to:
• Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund
• PO Box 849168
• Boston, MA 02284-9168
• or online at https://www.dana-farber.org/
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