James M. Lilly

HAVERHILL - James M. Lilly, 76 years old of Swampscott, MA and Haverhill, MA passed away on March 28, 2020 after a long and gallant struggle of COPD and glaucoma. He died peacefully with his family by his side at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, MA.

Jim was born in Southbridge, MA on March 4, 1944 to the late John M. Lilly and Freda (Cannon) Lilly and spent the majority of his life living in Swampscott, MA. It was there that he met his wife of 53 years, and raised their children while enjoying time with family and friends camping, skiing and boating. He also enjoyed golfing, but his love of the ocean and the time he spent on his boat the "C-chel" was special to him.

Jim was dedicated to his job of 43 years at General Electric Co. in Lynn, MA as an engineer in the Aircraft Engine Group. He was awarded several awards for his work on the CF34 Bombardier CRJ and the TF34. He proudly worked on the Navy's Super Hornet F414 engine before ending his career because of his declining vision.

He was a 40 year member of The First Church in Swampscott Congregational where he was very active and served on many boards until he moved to Haverhill, MA in 2004.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Christine (Routh) Lilly, his amazing children and their spouses, Michele Gross and her husband Stephen Gross of Amesbury, MA, and James Lilly, Jr. and his wife Jessica Martineau of Salem, MA. He was also blessed with eight loving and kind grandchildren, Lilly and Liam Gross, Nathaniel, Aiyana, Jaida, Zari, Elvis and Maple Lilly. He will be missed by his brother John Lilly, Jr. and his wife Nancy Lilly of Rowley, MA and Jim's sister Donna Dilts of Stafford, VA. He leaves behind four nieces and nephews, James Dilts, Jr. and his wife Shirley Dilts, John Lilly, III and his wife Darlene Lilly, Jennifer Lilly, Jessica Fowler and her husband Peter Fowler, along with three great-nieces, Olivia and Victoria Dilts and Patton Lilly. Jim also leaves his lifelong friends Robert and Sheryl Mason of Lexington, MA and Jack and Valerie Wilson of Haverhill, MA and many cousins, extended family and friends.

Jim was always a stickler for following the rules. One of the regulations for operating an aircraft is "In taking off, look at the ground and the air." His time on the ground is over and it is his time to fly.

There will be a private memorial service out to sea in the future. Memorial contributions may be made to Boston Children's Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215.

Arrangements by Driscoll Funeral Home, Haverhill. For guestbook, please visit www.driscollcares.com

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