James Joseph Pender, Jr.

James "Jim" Joseph Pender, Jr. of Walpole died Friday, July 24, 2026 at the age of 91 at home with Ginny, his wife of nearly 67 years, by his side. Jim was born September 1, 1934 to James J, Sr and Mary Ellen (Carroll) Pender of West Roxbury, where he grew up with his two younger sisters, Mary and Kathleen. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1952 followed by Boston College in 1956. For 43 years, he taught math at Westwood High School and served as interim Assistant Principal three separate times during his tenure. He coached basketball, golf, competitive math leagues, taught driver's ed, and served as Faculty Advisor to many classes. He was a mentor to thousands of students over the years. Following retirement, Jim and Ginny moved to the community of Southport in Mashpee on Cape Cod, snowbirding in Highland Woods in Bonita Springs, FL, conveniently located near MLB spring training. He was an avid Patriots, Celtics, and Red Sox fan, working at Fenway Park through high school and college, and in retirement at the Sox spring training facility in Fort Myers, FL, selling peanuts and popcorn. A memorial brick with his name was installed at Fenway Park in 2018 in celebration of 100 years.

Jim enjoyed summer trips across the U.S. visiting National Parks, and skiing with his family from their house on Snow Hill in Grantham, NH. He also spent many summers on Cape Cod, maintaining rental properties, and occasionally enjoying them. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve and U.S. Navy Reserve, somehow simultaneously, and somehow honorably discharged from both services.

Jim will be dearly missed by his wife, Virginia "Ginny" (Burke) Pender formerly of Dorchester. He is also survived by his sister, Kathleen Fitzgerald of West Roxbury, as well as Jim and Ginny's three children, eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild: Jim Pender of Kenmore, WA, and his two daughters, Amy and Holly. Paul and Kathleen (McGee) of Haddon Heights, NJ, and their six children, Dan, Matt, Evan, Tim, Liz, Mike, and grandchild, Bennett. Jill Goodman of Central Falls, RI and her three children, Rosemary, Jeffrey and Justin. In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his sister Mary B. Pender.

The family is grateful for the kind and caring staff at Harbor of New Pond Village who kept Jim in good graces with Ginny, and the compassionate care provided by the nurses of Preferred Peaceful Transitions Hospice.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jim's visitation that will be held at the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole on Saturday, August 1st, 2026 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole at 11:00 am. Interment will take place privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jim's name may be made to the Alzheimer's Association MA/NH Chapter, by mailing a check to 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 or by visiting https://Alzheimer's Association /manh