IN LOVING MEMORY OF

James Francis

James Francis Tobin Profile Photo

Tobin

August 7, 1930 – March 14, 2025

Obituary

SALEM - Mr. James F. Tobin 94, of Salem, beloved husband of the late Barbara A. (Heaphy) Tobin, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 14th, 2025 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers with his loving family by his side.

Born in Salem, he was the son of the late William and Margaret (Daley) Tobin. He was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of St. Mary's High School in Lynn.

An honorably discharged veteran, Jim proudly, served his country as a member of the United States Navy. He served aboard the U.S.S. Salem, the U.S.S. Des Moines, and the U.S.S. Baltimore in the Mediterranean where he visited Italy, Spain, and Greece, to name a few. He loved telling stories of his travel experiences during his Navy service, including being aboard the U.S.S. Baltimore for the Grand Naval Review off the coast of England during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953.

Jim embarked on a long and successful career at New England Telephone as a Central Office Technician where he was responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting a wide range of telecommunications equipment. Jim was known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and often sought after for his expertise in his field. Through his work he made many life-long friends.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Jim, was dedicated to his family. He and his beloved Barbara raised their three children in a home filled with love, support, kindness, and humor. Jim was extremely proud of his children and their many accomplishments; he was always there to lend his support and encouragement no matter the endeavor they were involved in. He was over the moon when his grandchildren came along and couldn't wait to attend the next generations many sporting events and activities which he did often. He and Barbara traveled both domestically and internationally seeing many countries and states making many lifetime memories along the way.  Jim loved to tell tales of past travel and military escapades and regale family and friends with his many adventures. He was an avid Boston sports fan and a former member of the Knights of Columbus. Throughout his life, he exemplified the virtues of kindness, integrity, and resilience. Jim's generosity of spirit and warmth left a lasting impact on all who knew him, reminding us that true success lies in the relationships we build and the love we share. He will be deeply missed.

Surviving Jim is his daughter, Mary Tobin and her partner, Vickie Ware of Goffstown, NH, his sons, Dr. Tim Tobin and his wife, Marie of Beverly and Patrick Tobin and his wife, Janis of Amesbury, his beloved grandchildren, Holly Tobin and Emily Tobin and several nieces and nephews. He was the devoted grandfather of the late Brendan Tobin and Janelle Tobin and brother of the late Arlene Grace, Peggy Heffernan and William and Donald Tobin. He also leaves behind his dedicated caretaker and "Friend" Lisa Wilkens, from Neighborgood Care.

ARRANGMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral service which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 at 12:30 PM. Burial is private. Visiting hours prior to the service from 10 AM to 12 PM. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Jim's memory to Janelle Lavender Tobin Charity, 21 Cutter Lane, Amesbury, MA 01913 www.janellelavendertobin.org or to Brendan Tobin Memorial Fund, C/O Essex County Community Foundation, 500 Cummings Center, Suite 5450, Beverly, MA 01915. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

Donations:

Janelle Lavender Tobin Memorial Fund
21 Cutter Lane, Amesbury MA 01913
Web: https://www.janellelavendertobin.org/

Brendan Tobin Memorial Fund
C/O Essex County Community Foundation - 500 Cummings Ctr Suite 5450, Beverly MA 01915
Web: http://blueskiesrememberingbrendantobin.org/

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Francis Tobin, please visit our flower store.
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Services

Visitation

Calendar
March
22

O'Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations SALEM

84 Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970

10:00am - 12:00 pm

Funeral Service

Calendar
March
22

O'Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations SALEM

84 Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970

12:30 - 4:00 pm

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