James F. O'Connell passed away at the Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading on Saturday, February 28, 2015. He was 64 years of age. James was born in Melrose on December 3, 1950 to the late Gerald & Marion Rita (Lucey) O'Connell. He was raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1968. Mr. O'Connell worked for the New England Telephone Company right out of high school as a lineman. He entered the US Army on June 11, 1970 and served his country with pride during the Vietnam War for 6 years. After his discharge from the service in 1976 he return to the telephone company where he worked for 30 years as a computer technician. James lived in Wakefield for 11 years, Malden & Everett for a few years and the past 25 years here in Melrose. Mr. O'Connell was the Father of Brian, Barry, Ben & William O'Connell and their families. Brother of Jeanne O'Connell, Beth Cronin & her husband Richard all of Brewster, Paul O'Connell of Malden & the late Kevin & Philip O'Connell. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and friends. A graveside service will be held at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St. Melrose, on Saturday, March 7th at 11:00AM. Relatives & friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers donations in Jim's memory may be made to the VNA Sawtelle Hospice House, 607 North Ave, Suite 17, Wakefield, MA, 01880.