James Edward Lister

SALEM – Mr. James Edward Lister, 45, of Salem, beloved husband of Caryn Elizabeth (Willa) Lister, died unexpectedly from underlying medical condition complicated by Covid, Tuesday, November 30th, 2021 at North Shore Medical Center.

Born in Lawrence, he is the son of Joyce Callahan Lister and the late Robert Lister. He was raised in Haverhill and graduated from Haverhill High School in 1994. He continued his education at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 1999 and went on to earn a Master of Business Administration degree in 2003.

James found his true life’s calling helping others early in his professional journey; he was employed with the Essex House of Corrections in Middleton, The Key Program in Methuen as a residential counsel with children involved with the foster care system; and the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families in Salem. Helping vulnerable youth in foster care and their families as well as helping to shape an impactful child welfare system was his true passion. His dedication and care of others as well as his knowledge of the industry was recognized by others. James went on to have a strong impact in the child welfare field through different leadership roles. He worked for Family Continuity for three years and ultimately as the Executive Director for Plummer Youth Promise for nearly fifteen years. James was instrumental in creating the Massachusetts Permanency Practice Alliance aimed at ensuring a focus on permanency for youth in substitute care. He was well respected by those in his care, his co-workers and other leaders in the field alike, for his innovative solutions and deep commitment to those in need. James was a previous member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Children’s Residential Centers and he also previously served on the Board of Directors for the Children’s League of America.

James was a long-time resident of Salem; having been involved with many professional and civic groups, including as a Salem Rotarian. He loved to encourage the passion in others, especially those involving youth sports. James was a volunteer for many years with Salem youth sports, basketball, and flag football. He mentored many children as a coach and volunteer. He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed camping, biking and the many mornings he spent at Bootcamp on the Salem Common. He loved boxing and fought as a young man in the Golden Gloves. James enjoyed time spent with his dogs, all Boxer breeds; Bruschi, Rocky, and the current family mascot, Micky. With an affable personality and easy smile, James endeared himself to many. He was an incredibly genuine person and had an innate ability to tell a great story. The ease with how he could laugh and his sincere interest in others impacted many. James was always willing to help others achieve their goals as he was a true caregiver at his core.  

Above all else, family and friends were paramount in his life. He loved being a husband and father. Whether it was preparing a homecooked meal for his  family and friends, tossing the football around with his boys or cheering on his beloved New England sports teams surrounded by his friends, James was happiest in the presence of those he loved and cared for. He was a true giver of his love and time to those fortunate enough to have known him.

James will be deeply missed and is survived by his loving wife, Caryn (Willa) Lister, his sons, Jacob Daniel Lister, Shane Charles Lister, and Tyler George Lister, his mother, Joyce Lister of Lawrence, his sisters, June Gouldsbrough and her husband, David of Somersworth, NH, Jeanine Ulaskiewicz and her husband, Michael of Dover, NH and Joyce Hassett and her husband, Patrick, his brothers, Jeffrey DiMario and his wife, Faith of Methuen and John Lister and his wife, Nancy of Manchester, NH, his mother-in-law & father-in-law, Gail and Daniel Willa of Pocasset, his brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Keith and Carroll Willa of Topsfield and several nieces, nephews as well as extended family.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral will be held from O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, Monday, Dec. 6^th at 9:15 A.M. followed by his funeral Mass at the Immaculate Conception Church, Hawthorne Blvd., Salem at 10 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Sunday, Dec. 5^th from 2 to 6 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the James E. Lister Memorial Fund for Youth in Foster Care, C/O North Shore Bank 248 Andover St., Peabody, MA 01960. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Edward Lister, please visit our floral store.