Mr. James E. Umlah, a resident of Medford since 1946 and beloved husband of June T. (Cahill) Umlah, died at his home on Monday morning, March 9, 2009. He was 76 years old.
Born in Everett, Massachusetts, on January 8, 1933, he was the beloved son of the late Walter G. and Annie M. (Hussey) Umlah.
Jim was a graduate of Medford High School, class of 1951. Following his graduation, he joined the United States Navy at Boston, Massachusetts, on April 18, 1951. After training in Newport, Rhode Island, he served aboard the US Fremont and traveled throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas. Mr. Umlah was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Occupation Service Medal for his service to the Navy. He received his honorable discharge on March 8, 1955.
Jim worked for the New England Telephone Company for 39 years. He began as a lineman in 1955 and was promoted to foreman in 1966 and became part of the management team. He retired in 1994, after 39 years of service.
Jim enjoyed woodworking and he could fix almost anything. He spent many hours building doll houses and storage boxes for his children. He served as Scout Master with Troop 410. They spent many times together at meetings, jamborees and camping. He also was a longtime Mason and was a member of Demolay. He served for over 50 years as an Odd Fellow in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also served as the Noble Grand.
Above all, Mr. Umlah was a real family man, always putting the needs of his thirteen children first.
Jim was the beloved husband of the late Naomi (Pierce) Umlah.
Besides his wife, he will be very sorely missed by his twelve cherished children; Kenneth Umlah of Arizona, Carrie Kraft of Everett, Rachel Bradley of Arizona, Rev. Jamie Moynihan of New Hampshire, William Umlah of Lynn, Stephen Umlah of Revere, Naomi Vautour of Everett, Ernest Umlah of Lynnfield, Christopher Umlah of Medford, Nancy DiSano of Haverhill, Holly Umlah of Oxford, England and Scott Umlah of Arizona, step-sons; Kenneth Cahill of Idaho and Desmond Cahill of New York and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim was also the father of the late Walter Umlah.
His funeral service was celebrated in the Community Baptist Church, 470 Fulton Street, Medford, Thursday at 10:30 AM. Many relatives and friends respectfully attended. Visiting hours were held in the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford, Wednesday, from 4 to 8 PM.
Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, Massachusetts 01701. For additional information, please visit, www.magliozzifuneralhome.com.