James J. Dowd

James J. “Jimmy Joe” Dowd, eldest son of the late Patrick and Margaret (Behan) Dowd, a lifelong native of Dorchester and a man deeply proud of his Boston Irish roots, passed away December 4, 2025 surrounded by family and familiar stories of the neighborhood he loved. He was 92 years old.

Born and raised in Dorchester, James never strayed far from the streets that shaped him. He was a proud product of St. Matthew’s Parish, where he formed friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime. Those stories of old Dorchester landmarks, neighborhood characters, and growing up in a close-knit community became some of his greatest joys to share in his later years. As a teen Jimmy worked selling snacks to Red Sox fans in the stands at Fenway, a job he fondly remembered, even though it required taking a streetcar to the train, to yet another streetcar.

Jimmy joined the US Navy in 1951, proudly serving on the tug "USS Nipmuc". He worked for “the telephone” for 36 years, a dedicated and dependable presence until his retirement. A quiet and stoic man, he never demanded attention, but those who knew him understood that behind his calm demeanor was a sharp, attentive listener with a dry wit and a big heart.

He enjoyed the simple pleasures: watching sports, holding down a barstool at one of the Lower Mills bars just down from home, and taking long car rides through the old neighborhood as the years went on. Castle Island was a favorite stop, especially when it meant lunch at Sully’s. And in his 90s, proving that it’s never too late to discover something new, he tried his first cappuccino, after which he happily asked for one every day.

James was predeceased by his beloved wife Margaret (Carroll) Dowd of Rutland, VT. He was the devoted father to Maureen of Maine and to Kevin and his wife Kathy Dowd of Weymouth. Brother of Edward Dowd of Braintree and the late John Dowd of Peabody. He was the loving “Grumpy” to Jake, Jack, Kathleen, Maggie, Mary Kate, and Seamus, all of whom brought him immense joy. He will be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews, whose accomplishments and loving natures filled him with pride.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to "Doctor Tom” Lynch and “Jimmy’s ladies”, devoted caregivers who provided round-the-clock support in recent years, allowing James to remain in the home he loved. Their care, compassion, and presence were a major blessing to him and to his family.

James lived a life rooted in loyalty, routine, and love for the place he called home. His presence, steady and reassuring, will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him, share a conversation, or to hear a "Hello There!".

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Sunday 12/14/2025 from 3-6 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., Quincy. Funeral service will be celebrated on Monday 12/15/2025 at 10:30 AM in Keohane Funeral Home, Quincy. Private Burial in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of James may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.