Jim Findley was a one-of-a-kind family man. A loving and devoted husband. An attentive son. A brother you could count on in good times and bad. A much-loved uncle to a younger set who lovingly dubbed him “Grumpy.”

That affectionate moniker became a rallying point for a familial fan club, who after learning of Jim’s cancer diagnosis, posed for pictures donned in matching blue t-shirts stating, “Grumpy’s Got This!”

Sadly, James Edward Findley, of Marshfield, MA, and Laconia, NH, and formerly of Milton, MA, succumbed to his illness. He died peacefully at home on July 24, 2022, just days after his 69th birthday, in the presence of his beloved wife and family members.

“He fought the good fight,” said his wife Marilyn, whose collection of good memories stretches beyond their day-to-day companionship of over 40 years and the hard road trod together over Jim’s waning days. Christmas in Hawaii. Taking the “blue bus” with the cousins on winter ski trips to the White Mountains. The annual February trek to Florida for the Daytona 500. An Alaskan cruise to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Watching her husband walk their niece, Katie, down the aisle in her late father’s stead.

To Jim, being asked to stand in was one of the greatest honors of his life, Marilyn said.

It’s just one of the many pieces in a life story weaved with the collective memories of loved ones who knew well the marks Jim made and the hearts he touched.

Jim was born on July 12, 1953, the fourth of six children born to the late Joseph and Mary (Garvey) Findley. He grew up in Milton in a family of sports enthusiasts. He played little league baseball but early on took a shine to the rink where his dad coached him in youth hockey. Jim went on to become a top scoring forward on the Milton High Wiz Kids hockey team, and word is he was scouted by the NHL. After graduating in 1973, Jim played softball in the famous Milton men’s softball league where he was known for hitting tape-measure homers.

Jim was a blue-collar worker who started his first job in high school as a server and cook at the local Howard Johnson’s. He closed out a 50+ year career in transportation as a part owner of Red Line Freight Systems, a multi-million dollar dedicated carrier that services 48 states.

In between, he held various jobs. He worked as an operations manager for the Osborne Desk Company in Boston. He did a 15-year stint as a CDL driver for Garvey Transport Inc. where he was known on the CB handle as “Teddy Bear” and was loved by customers because of his strong work ethic and friendly disposition. He took a job at TNT Red Star Express where he worked in numerous capacities as a driver, supervisor, and driver supervisor.

“If I had 10 Jim Findley’s I would not need anyone else,” his terminal manager would say of his number 1 driver.

In 2003 Jim ventured out with his younger brothers, Tom and John, to found their own trucking company, Red Line Freight Systems. He was a proud business owner and mentor to his nephew, Billy, who saw his uncle from an employee’s perspective.

“He had high expectations but treated everyone he worked with the same way. He gave everything he had to the job and to his co-workers,” Billy said. “He would call you out if you were doing something dumb and at the same time bend over backwards to help if you were in a time of need. There was always three ways to do things at work. The right way, the wrong way, and the Jim Findley way.”

Jim ran the trucking operation until 2019 when he decided to semi-retire. His legacy will live forever in every Red Line truck that moves down the Interstate.

Jim’s outside interests leaned to the sporting world and living the good life.

He was an avid fan of the Boston Bruins and a long-time season-ticket holder of the New England Patriots. His culinary skills spilled over to the stadium parking lot tailgate parties where he enjoyed a 15-year run as grill master on game days, grilling up savory sausages, peppers, onions, and the like. His baked beans were the best.

Jim’s fondness for the game of golf fostered a cadre of enduring friendships that stretched beyond the green. He was the ringleader for yearly golfing outings to Myrtle Beach, SC, that lengthened in time as the years went on. He made sure his golfing buddies got a game in the morning and had free replays in the afternoon, and there was a reservation made for dinner at Cagney’s because they served up a fine prime rib. He knew all the best places to go for prime rib. For several years Jim enjoyed a side hustle as a starter and a ranger at South Shore Country Club in Hingham where he furthered his nice guy reputation and racked up more lasting friendships.

As a boating enthusiast, the open waters of Lake Winnipesaukee drew Jim to spend more time in his favorite place in New Hampshire. Working toward an “after retirement” plan, Jim and Marilyn decided to purchase a home in Laconia. It was the perfect spot to launch his pontoon boat and was conveniently located near the Loudon Race Track.

New Hampshire was where Jim planned to spend his golden years with his wife doing the things he enjoyed – exploring the lake from bay to bay, sitting down with family and friends with a cocktail in hand, puffing on a good cigar, reminiscing about the past and just enjoying the day.

James Edward Findley is survived by his loving wife of over 40 years, Marilyn (Miller) Findley: siblings, Joseph H. Findley, Jr. and wife Janet of Herndon, VA, William J. and Linda Findley of Rochester; Jane M. Miller and her husband the late Stephen Miller of Quincy; Thomas M. and Jean Findley of Hingham, and John A. and Deborah Findley of Duxbury. He is also survived by in-laws, Robert and the late Diane (Miller) Manning of Quincy and Robert and Michele Miller of New Port Richey, FL. Jim also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and their children.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Agatha Church, 432 Adams St., Milton, Monday August 1 at 10:30 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Sunday 4 – 8 PM. Interment Milton Cemetery.