James Francis Stanton Sr. passed away at the Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading on March 24, 2014. He was 84 years of age. Mr. Stanton was born in Melrose on February 22, 1930 to the late Michael & Agnes Stanton. He was raised in Melrose, graduated from Melrose High School and has been a lifelong resident. James served his country with pride in the US Army during the Korean War. He worked for the City of Melrose as a Melrose Police Officer for 17 years before starting his own contracting business, J F Stanton Contractors of Melrose. He owned and operated his business for many years before returning to work for another 12 years with the City of Melrose in the water department. Mr. Stanton was an avid Bruins fan and hockey fan and played hockey in Munich, Germany while in the US Army. He was an excellent cook and enjoyed his trips to Hampton Beach and Alton Bay New Hampshire over the years. James was the beloved husband of Anne F.( McGee) Stanton. Loving father of John M. Stanton & His wife Donna and James F. Stanton Jr. & his wife Ellen all of Melrose. Proud grandfather of Jessica, Maryanne, Shawn, Ryan & Kelly and great grandfather of Jonathan Alexander McDermott. Brother of John "Franny" Stanton of Melrose and the late Joseph M. Stanton. Uncle of Kevin & Laura Stanton. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Thursday, March 27th from 9:00-10:30AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose at 11AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment with Military Honors at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made in James's name to Sawtelle Hospice House, 320 Haverhill St. Reading, MA 01867.