It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of James Michael Ginley Jr., born July 29, 1950, who departed this world at midnight on December 6, 2024. James was a warm-hearted individual, remembered by all for his kindness and ever-present smile.

James is survived by his beloved children: his daughters, Deirdre Elyse Ginley (1988) and Bridget Lara Ginley (1992), and his son, Brendan James Ginley (1997), each of whom brought great joy to his life, sharing many years and memories exploring greater Boston, Massachusetts. He leaves behind his ex-wife, Kathryn Ellen Ginley-Henry, with whom he shared many years of love and companionship through their marriage and beyond.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the eldest son of Corky (Corinne) O'Brien and James M. Ginley Sr., both of whom predeceased him. He is remembered by his siblings: his brothers, Tom Ginley and Tim Ginley and his sisters, Corinne Lynch and Colleen Bolander. Their bond, nurtured over many years and shared experiences, remained unbroken until the end. He attended Saint Ignatius High School playing the trumpet in the band. He graduated Ohio University in 1973 as a Political Science major. He studied Mandarin Chinese and in and 1980, he accompanied Ohio Governor, James A. Rhodes on the U.S. Trade Mission to China, an important milestone in the development of U.S.-China economic relations.

James had a variety of work over the years that spanned from bartending, to investigation, delivery, and sales, which in some time relocated him to New England. James had a humble dedication to the environment and for many years worked in chemical waste management for Safety-Kleen, a leading provider of environmental services. In his later years, James was a class act Uber Driver, offering a space of ambiance and safety to his riders. He also earned awards in the top percentile.

A man of diverse interests, he was known by many to always make educated decisions, and 'do the research'. He had an admiration for all things having to do with large infrastructure systems, maps, bridges, automobiles, racing, planes, trains, and boats. He had a great respect and curiosity for the local histories and landmarks, collecting pamphlets where ever he'd go, offering amazing insight to his family, friends, and even (uber) riders. 

Growing up, James played in musical bands and had a passion for live music all the way into his later years. He had a proficient ear and was known to extend great thought and invitation to others on his musical finds, like The Mavericks, Pat Metheny. James had a deep appreciation for the melodies of the Tedeschi Trucks Band. The comforting tunes were a source of inspiration and solace for him over the years, attending more than several of their live shows. 

He was an avid sports fan supporting his favorite teams from the Major League Sports of Cleveland and New England. In his free time, he pursued local landscape, architecture, & nature photography. His love of capturing the passage of time through seasonal moments was matched only by his love for the great outdoors. James enjoyed connecting over outdoor activities involving scenic hikes, regional road trips, or playing frisbee(golf). He loved spending time with family and friends and when distance was a factor always made a point to catch up or send an article of interest over a phone call or text or email.

James lived a life full of love, warmth, and kindness. He had a quiet passion, reserved in nature yet knowledgeable and engaging, an undercover thoughtfulness, while unsuspectingly funny. He was deeply treasured and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

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