James “Jim” M. Kirley, age 82, passed away suddenly at home on Friday, September 25, 2026. He was the devoted husband of Sandra “Sandy” (Dagan) Kirley, with whom he shared more than 58 wonderful years of marriage, and father of Karen (Kirley) Roses.

Born in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, on August 18, 1944, James was the eldest of seven children born to the late Felix and Agnes (Monaghan) Kirley. Growing up in Timmins, Ontario, Jim was a skilled hockey player and was recruited to play at St. Michael’s College School in Toronto. He entered the Toronto Maple Leafs farm system, but rather than join the NHL, he took a scholarship to play hockey at Merrimack College in North Andover, where he met Sandy. During his college summers, he returned to Canada to work in the gold mines, earning enough to sustain him for the next academic year. The day after he graduated college, he married Sandy and they settled in Andover, where they raised their daughter and lived for 40 years.

Jim coached hockey in Melrose and Stoneham, and in Connecticut at the Taft School’s summer camp. He received his Master’s in Education from Northeastern University and taught eighth grade History and Civics at Stoneham Middle School for 37 years, eventually becoming naturalized as a US Citizen.

After retiring from teaching, Jim continued his work in education, caring full time for his grandchildren, Cameron and Mark Roses. Being a father and grandfather was the greatest joy of his life.

A voracious reader, particularly of nonfiction, Jim loved to travel and study history. He was a gifted storyteller, writing a memoir recounting his experiences growing up in Canada, working in the mines, and playing hockey. He also wrote a series of children’s short stories about a moose named Maxwell, which are much loved by his family, particularly his grandchildren.

Above all else, James will be remembered as a caring and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher, coach, and friend who dedicated his life to others, rarely thought of himself, and lived his life by the code: “simplicity, moderation, and balance.”

Along with his doting wife Sandy, James is survived by his loving daughter Karen Roses and her husband Jonathan of Lexington, his cherished grandchildren Cameron and Mark Roses, his adoring granddog Summer, his beloved siblings Stanley Kirley (and his wife Mona) of Timmins, Susan Taylor (and her husband Brian) of Washago, Ontario, and, as well as many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. James was also the devoted brother of the late Dennis Kirley, Gary Kirley, Kevin Kirley, and Kelly Ann Bye.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home at 43 Winn St., Burlington on Friday, October 2 between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm. A short memorial will be held at the Funeral Home at 12:30 pm and a private burial will immediately follow. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in James’ honor may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation at give.michaeljfox.org.