James M. “Jimmy” DeNeil Sr., 89, of South Portland, Maine, and Weymouth, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, after a long and full life.

Jimmy was born on February 11, 1937, in South Portland, Maine, to Richard F. DeNeill and Dorothy J. Gifford. By the age of twelve, Jimmy and his sister Maryjane had lost both of their parents. The two moved to Weymouth, Massachusetts, where they were lovingly cared for by their aunt and uncle, Angelina DeNeill and John DeNeill, who gave them a home filled with love and warmth. Weymouth soon became Jimmy’s town, and he would make it his own.

Jimmy graduated from Weymouth High School in 1957 and went on to proudly serve his country in the Army National Guard. He later built a career of true distinction in public service. After working for Howe & French and Atlas Alarm Co., he found his calling with the City of Quincy Fire Department, Fire Alarm Division, where he worked for over thirty years. Through hard work and dedication, he rose from signalman to Assistant Superintendent of the Fire Alarm Division. Jimmy earned the respect of all who knew him and was also a proud member of the Southeastern Signalman Association.

If there was one thing Jimmy loved above all else, it was being out on the water. Boating was not just a pastime, it was a way of life that he generously passed on to his children and grandchildren, giving them something they will carry with them always. Jimmy also had a second home for 37 years at Breakwater in South Portland, Maine, a place he loved deeply. He spent many wonderful years there on the water, never forgetting where he came from.

Jimmy was a proud member of the Braintree Yacht Club for over fifty years, where he made lifelong friends and spent countless hours on the water. He was also a devoted member of the Sacred Heart Parish community in Weymouth Landing, where he was a generous contributor for over seventy years.

Jimmy was a man who knew hardship early in life and met it without complaint. He was dependable, devoted, and quietly generous. His warmth and sense of humor will be greatly missed. He taught his family strength, kindness, and unconditional love.

Jimmy remained resilient until the very end and will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.

In his final years, Jimmy was lovingly cared for by his daughter Anne and his caregivers. We would like to thank Andrea, Domingas, Maria, Kathy, Patty, Anne, and Kelly for the compassion, devotion, and kindness they showed our father. We are forever grateful.

We would also like to thank Brett Miller at 110 Fitness for the expertise and encouragement he provided throughout Jimmy’s journey with Parkinson’s disease. Thank you for helping give our dad his confidence and independence back.

Jimmy will also be missed by his good friend Judy, with whom he shared a beautiful and meaningful friendship that he cherished deeply.

Jimmy was the loving father of James DeNeill Jr. and his wife Linda, and his daughter Anne DeNeill and her husband Daniel, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond. He was the cherished Papa of James III, Stephen, and Sarah, and he adored his grandchildren.

Jimmy was predeceased by his sister Mary Jane and his half-brother and half-sister, Richard F. DeNeill Jr. and Dorothy Ehlen (DeNeill). He is also survived by his ex-wife Patricia Quinlan, many nieces and nephews, and close friends who all meant the world to him. We thank him for being our hero. Heaven gained the most wonderful dad.

A private burial will be held at a later date.