James H Fox, born April 8, 1938, in Whitman, MA, passed away on May 14. He was married for 60 years to Betty Jane (Calloway) Fox who predeceased him in 2018. Their love for and dedication to each other was a model for their children, Kelly and James, creating a warm and cherished home for their extended family especially their son-in-law Alan Goldberg and daughter-in-law Cynthia Fox and grandchildren Andrew Goldberg, Nicole Fox Hedden and Stephanie Fox.
The only time James left Whitman for an extended period was when he served his country in the US Air Force from 1955-1959, with most of that time in Korea as a combat medic.
James was dedicated to the town of Whitman, serving as a police officer, and retiring with the rank of Lieutenant, working as a police prosecutor and victim’s advocate. He saw the world through a lens of honesty and fairness. Keeping that vision of a small town in place, he was also able to help the teens in town when they needed guidance so that they might have another opportunity to make a better choice on another day, to not judge someone on their worst day.
He modeled the importance of a higher education by earning an associates, a bachelors and a masters degree while working.
He was proud to have been on the Centennial Committee to celebrate Whitmans’ 100th anniversary and was happy to tell stories of what the town looked like when he was growing up.
James’ talents included carpentry as he renovated the home he and Betty raised their children in, a joint vision and a team effort. As the house took shape, so did the gardens that went from simple to simply beautiful. He was always quick to help a friend who needed to get a roof on or some thoughts on where best to plant a new shrub and was happy to give long distance advice to children and grandchildren as they did their own renovations on older homes.
But his best advice, he kept for his children: to never let fear hold us back and this is how we will all move ahead without him. Conquering whatever is ahead as a family and to move forward.
James was predeceased in death by his parents, Stephen and Jennie (Lenoci) Fox as well as his siblings William, Jenny (Joyce), and Paul. Along with his children and grandchildren, he will be missed by the many nieces and nephews who adored him for his love for each one of them.
Family and friends are invited to attend his visiting hours on Saturday June 10 from 9:30 am -12:00 pm in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. Burial will follow in the Colebrook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the charity of your choice in his honor.