James Thomas Tirrell III

DOVER-FOXCROFT, MAINE – Mr. James Thomas Tirrell III, 74, of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, formerly of Topsfield, passed away peacefully at his home on April 17th, 2023. He was predeceased by his life partner Denise Louise Mercier Tirrell.

Born in Everett, he was the son of the late James T. Jr. and Abbie M. (Doherty) Tirrell. He was raised and educated in Topsfield and was a graduate of Masconomet High School, Class of 1967. In his youth, James enjoyed Cub and Boy Scouts, Little League Baseball, and collecting baseball cards. He loved family times, especially holidays, camping trips, and spending time with his many cousins at family gatherings. While in high school, James showed a keen interest in the classroom and was an avid sports fan. As a member of the Masconomet track team, James held the high jump record for decades. James had the “gift of gab” and his many friends, classmates, and teammates voted him “Class Gossip.”  

Following high school, James attended Northeastern University and was also a graduate of the General Electric Apprenticeship Program where he worked for several years. From there he joined the United States Air Force in 1970 and attained the rank of sergeant. He was proud of his service to his country.

With a truly outgoing and gregarious nature, James endeared himself to friends and family alike. He had a passion for music, especially hard and classic rock. This passion stemmed from his own musical talents. He could play the trumpet by ear and was an excellent dancer. Above all else, James was happiest when spending time with his family. As in his youth, James continued his storytelling, sharing family history, photos, and special movies with his children. He enjoyed attending concerts, watching sporting events, and trips to the beach, the zoo, New Hampshire, Maine, and Newburyport Yankee Homecoming. He rarely missed the Topsfield or Piscataquis Valley Fairs. James will be remembered for his dedicated service to his country, his incredible intelligence, and his deep love for family.

James is survived by his children, Kerry Tavernese and her husband, John of Peabody, MA; James T. Tirrell IV of Rutland, MA; Kimberly Tirrell of Spring Lake, NC; Elizabeth Tirrell of Clearmont, GA; Jason Tirrell of Dover-Foxcroft, ME; John Paul Tirrell and his wife, Katie of Dover-Foxcroft, ME; Christina Tirrell of Corinth, ME; James P.F. Tirrell and his wife, Melissa of Winslow, ME; and Denise Tirrell and her fiancé, Jesse Soden of Sangerville, ME.  James leaves his many grandchildren: Kayla, Rosalie, John, Selena, Ariel, Destiny, Kelsie, Aliza, Wesley, Warren, Wade, Kennedi, Kohen, Royce, Caroline, Finn, Julianna, Mikey, Tyler, and Liam; his great grandchildren, William and Lenox; his siblings John “Jack” Garrity and his wife, Helen of Fleming Island, FL; Anne Tirrell of Dedham, MA; Patricia Graffum and her husband, Robert of New Smyrna, FL; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and extended family. James was predeceased by his brother Robert “Mike” Garrity.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral will be held from O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (rte 62) DANVERS, MA, Monday, May 8th at 9:30 A.M. followed by his funeral mass at St. Rose of Lima Church, 12 Park St, Topsfield, MA at 10:30A.M.. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Topsfield, MA. Visiting hours Sunday, May 7th from 3 to 6 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations “in memory of James Tirrell” may be made to The Angel Fund for ALS Research, 649 Main Street, Wakefield, MA  01880, or at https://theangelfund.org/donation ot to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s  Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741or online at give.michaeljfox.org. 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 Thomas Tirrell III, please visit our floral store.