James A. "Jimmy" Maher, a long-time resident of Marshfield, passed away on November 30, 2021 at the age of 81. Beloved husband of the late Catherine D. (Devine) Maher, he was the loving father of Steven Maher and his wife Jennifer of Marston Mills, Elizabeth Kimball and husband Charles of Conway, SC, and Ruth Masood and husband Christopher of Marshfield, and cherished grandfather of Matthew, Stephanie, Hannah, Brendan, Michael, and Gracie. Son of the late Gerard J. and Murial A. (Doane) Maher, he was dear brother of the late Joan (James) Donahue.

Jimmy was a third generation, 50-year member of Local 3 Bricklayer's Union, working on many of the larger brick buildings in the greater Boston area throughout his long career. To say he was handy and self-taught is an understatement. Along with family and friends, Jimmy designed and built the home in Marshfield that he and his wife, Cathy, resided for over 50 years.

Jimmy became a licensed airplane pilot in 1958. By the mid-60's he owned his own prop-engine plane, which he enjoyed taking family and friends up sightseeing around Marshfield and along the coast. He also designed and built a slide in camper that he and his family spent many summer weekends enjoying Sandy Neck on the Cape, as well as traveling across the country to California one summer in the early 70's. Jimmy built a sailing kayak that he carried on the top the camper. The sailing kayak was the start of his obsession for sailing.

Jimmy's greatest passion was to be on the ocean. Starting as a teenager summering in Marshfield, spending time on the water in Green Harbor in a wooden skiff, to buying his first of several sailboats. This allowed him and his growing family to sail all over New England. The sailing kayak that he built was the first experience in sailing that led him to buy a 22-foot sailboat that he built out the inside of on his own and adding sewing to his ever-increasing skill set. Jimmy also took part in the famed Marion-Bermuda sailboat race, in the celestial division, functioning as the navigator. He and his family traveled throughout Cape Cod Bay, as well as the Cape and the Islands in the boat, Cuttyhunk being a favorite. His voyages went so far as to sail up the coast to Ellsworth, Maine during many summers.

As Jimmy's experiences grew, he and his wife went on to buy three more, each slightly larger, sailboats and increased their time on the water after they both retired. Jimmy and Cathy were long-time member of the Duxbury Cruising Club, awarding them many endearing friendships and fellow cruisers to help inspire their sailing adventures.

In the off season, Jimmy was the faithful traveling companion to Cathy, traveling around the world on birding adventures from South Africa to Costa Rico and from Belize to Botswana. Later with his extended family and grandchildren, Jimmy cruised the Mediterranean Sea.
"Grumpy" to his grandchildren, Jimmy took great pride and joy in all of their endeavors and accomplishments- computer and mechanical science, teaching, environmental science, sailing, nursing, firefighting, but most of all, to each Jimmy imparted a love of the sea.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean Street in Marshfield. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church, 40 Canal Street in Marshfield.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jimmy's memory can be made to the Massachusetts Audubon Society Fund for Nature, South Shore Sanctuary, by mail to 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 or online at https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/north-river

For online guest book, driving directions, and other helpful information please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome.com