James W. Haley

Beloved Husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law & friend

James W. Haley, 83, a prominent figure in Greater Lowell real estate, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jim was the cherished husband for over 47 years to Eileen M. (Shanahan) Haley, who survives him.

Born in Lynn, MA, on January 28, 1942, Jim was the son of the late Lawrence and Frances (Hunter) Haley. He attended schools in Salem, MA, and was a graduate of Salem High School, Class of 1959. Jim continued his education at Bentley University and later the Lee Institute for Real Estate, where he earned his Brokerage License. Jim began his career with Stop & Shop Supermarkets, spending 20 years managing stores on the North Shore before relocating to Lowell, where he met his beloved wife, Eileen.

Jim was an accomplished real estate broker for 55 years, he worked at Dick Lepine Real Estate for over 29 years until his passing. His unwavering commitment to his profession was evident through his active involvement in numerous organizations. He was a past president of the North East Association of Realtors (NEAR) and the Greater Lowell Landlord’s Association. Jim was also a respected member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR), and the Realtors Political Action Committee.

Beyond his professional life, Jim was a strong supporter of local organizations, including Owl Diner Charities, the Lowell Lodge of Elks, and the D’Youville Manor Men’s Guild.

Jim’s dedication to assisting others was widely recognized throughout his career. He received several prestigious awards from the NEAR, including Realtor of the Year in 2001, the Random Act of Kindness Award in 2011, and the Distinguished Service Award in 2015. In 2023, Lowell Irish, Inc. honored him with the Irish Person of the Year Award.

In his personal time, Jim found joy on the golf course, playing with family and friends. He was a proud member of the Senior Golf League at Chelmsford Country Club. Jim was also an avid New England Patriots fan and a season ticket holder for over 30 years.

Besides his wife Eileen, Jim is survived by his five children: James W. Haley, Jr. and his wife Melissa of East Brookfield, MA; Cheryl A. Haley of Tampa, FL; Kerrie A. Peaslee and her husband David of Hudson, NH; Kathleen A. Haley of Lowell; and Kaelagh A. Haley of Lowell. He also leaves behind six cherished grandchildren: Haley A. Peaslee, Reiley D. Peaslee, Thomas W. Peaslee, Courtney M. Peaslee, A. James “AJ” Haley, and Shaunna M. Haley.

Jim is also survived by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; Maureen C. McNiff of Chelmsford, Shelagh M. McEvoy and her husband Richard of Chelmsford, Thomas J. Shanahan and his wife Mary Beth of Dracut, John P. Shanahan of Pelham, Patrick K. Shanahan and his wife Marybeth of Dunstable, and Nancy (Shanahan) Zaher of Chelmsford. He leaves many nieces and nephews, including his adoring niece, Colleen Shanahan of Lowell, his former daughter-in-law Lisa Haley of Milford, and many dear friends, including Natasha Arseneau, Donald McMeniman, and Rachel Masse. He will also be greatly missed by his two beloved Grand Dogs, Nash and Tramp.

Jim was predeceased by his mother-in-law C. Marion Shanahan, his aunt Mary “Mae” Shanahan, his uncle Thomas C. Shanahan, his brothers-in-law E. Christopher Shanahan and Joseph H. McNiff, and his sister-in-law Cheryl (Marchand) Shanahan.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 3 to 7 P.M. at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, 276 Pawtucket St. in Lowell. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10 o’clock at ST. PATRICK CHURCH in Lowell. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery. E-condolences and directions are available at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing to make contributions in Jim’s memory may do so to the Boston Children’s Hospital Endocrine Unit at Boston Children's Hospital Trust, Attn: Endocrine Unit, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215. Arrangements are under the direction of Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.

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