James H. Curran passed away at the Kaplan Family Hospice House on Sunday, May 9, 2010. He was 86 years of age. Mr. Curran was born in Melrose, raised in Melrose, graduated from St. Mary's Grammar School and Melrose high School, class of 1941. After he graduated James moved to Stoneham where he lived for 10 years. Mr. Curran entered the US Army in 1942 and served in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe for 3 years and was awarded the Purple Heart. A couple of years ago James was one of 6 US Soldiers to receive the French Legion of Honor from the President of France for his service to their country during WWII. Mr. Curran worked as a machinist for Sprague Engineering in Cambridge for over 30 years. He lived in Wilmington for a few years and in North Chelmsford for over 30 years. James enjoyed hunting in the Maine Woods, liked classical music, playing cribbage and was an avid reader. He was a former member of the American Legion Post #115 of Stoneham and was a longtime member of the North Chelmsford Fish & Game Club where he enjoyed target practice with pistols and rifles. James was the husband of the late Geraldine (Christie). Father of Kenneth Christie & his wife Debbie of Derry, NH and Karen Best of Londonderry, NH. Son of the late Joseph V. & Selina (Hall) Curran. Brother of Peter Curran & his wife Marilyn of W. Peabody, Paul Curran & his wife Kathleen of Malden, Albert Mundo & his wife Jeanne of Marblehead, Selina Mundo of Haverhill, C. William Mundo & his wife Dale of NH, Maryellen Begonis & her husband Walter of Reading and the late Charles J. Curran, M. Alice Foye and Bernard F. Curran. Grandfather of Samuel, Justin, Kayla, Scott, Brian & Nicole. Also survived by numerous nieces & nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Friday, May 14th at 9AM. Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose at 10AM. Relatives & friends invited. Visiting hours Thurs. from 4:00-8:00PM. Interment in Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Research Association, 311 Arsenal St. Watertown 02472.