James A. Biggie, of Melrose, July 19, 2022, age 79. A loving husband to Penny, his wife of 55 years, he was also a devoted father to Laura, James and Carol as well as a cherished grandfather to Michael and Connor. Brother of Mary Varney, Barbara Criss, Thomas Biggie and the late Charles Biggie and Francis Biggie. James is also survived by several nieces and nephews and was a friend to all who knew him. After graduating from Somerville High school in 1961 where he was named Class Poet, James enlisted in the United States Army in 1964 serving as a certified radio operator in Phu Lam, Vietnam. James received an Associate Degree in Science from Bunker Hill Community College in 1978. Employed by Verizon for well over thirty years before his retirement, James was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, an enthusiastic world traveler, avid reader and accomplished poet in his own right. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, July 26th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster Street, Melrose, MA. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church in Melrose on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at 11:30 AM. Interment will be private.