James L. Sheridan, Jr., resident of North Andover, beloved husband of Alida (Davis) Sheridan, and loving father to Brooke and Alana, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday morning, April 19, 2024. He was surrounded by his girls.
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on January 29, 1942, he was the eldest son of the late James L. Sheridan, Sr., and Helen (Doherty) Sheridan and was raised in Lexington.
James was a US Army Vietnam era veteran, entering service of his country in 1961, and assigned to the 83rd Engineers at Angouleme, France. He quickly rose to a leadership position as a Drill Instructor, as well as mastering skills as a Sharp Shooter during his tour of duty. Upon his honorable discharge in 1964, he returned home to Lexington, where he joined his father in running the family business, Allstate Roofing and Waterproofing Company located in Cambridge. After his father’s passing in 1971, James took over the reins of the business, successfully growing the company four fold over the following twelve years.
In 1983, seeking a new challenge, James entered the real estate development business. Always the dedicated entrepreneur, James continually honed his skills pursuing higher education within the fields of real estate development, business and finance, architectural drafting and condominium development offered through the Wentworth Institute, Northeastern University, and Harvard University.
In 1984, James founded Boston Realty Investors, Inc., a diversified real estate design, development, and consulting company. The company stands today, having enjoyed a 40 year strong history of projects ranging from commercial retail, condominium conversions, residential subdivisions, and most recently the packaging of large scale apartment complexes and self-storage facilities throughout the Greater Boston area. Throughout his career, James established a reputation for excellence, and for quality developments, with a consistent record of successful projects.
James was an active community participant throughout his life, attaining the rank of Colonel in the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, as well as a Member of the Ten of US Club. James enjoyed giving back to the underserved. He served as Vice President and Director and Vice President of the Colonel Daniel Marr Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester from 1985-1989. He was an Advisory Board Member to the Ron Burton Training Village in Hubbardston, serving underprivileged youths, as well as acting Chairman of the Cardinal Cushing School for “Exceptional Children” in Hanover. James was a member of the Former Massachusetts State Trooper's Association as well as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff of the Middlesex County Sheriff's Department. He was also a former member of The Hundred Club of Massachusetts.
James faith was of utmost importance to him throughout his life. He was a communicant of Saint Michael Church in North Andover.
On September 18, 1992, he married the love of his life, Alida Davis. During their thirty-one years of marriage, family was everything to him. Together they enjoyed the birth of their two daughters, and building a life and a home filled with love, kindness and laughter. James was devoted to his family and to his friends, mentoring many along the way. His interests were varied; he loved his cars, riding his Harley, flying his airplane, and driving his boat aptly named “Excellence” throughout the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee. He was an avid skier, enjoying slopes throughout New England, the Rocky Mountains, and Europe.
Above all, James was a devoted and loving husband and father. He is survived by his adoring wife and daughters, by his cousins: Donna Ore, Mary Wink, and Father John Allen, as well as his devoted Davis Clan of loving sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother, Robert Sheridan.
Calling hours will be held in the Chapel at West Parish Garden Cemetery, 210 Lowell Street, Andover, MA on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 4 to 7 PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael Church, 196 Main Street, North Andover on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 1 PM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Interment will held in the West Parish Garden Cemetery in Andover immediately after.
Donations in James' memory may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation.