with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife Eleanor M. (Heron) Ronan and his six children: Mark "Rob" Ronan and his wife JoAnn of Lake Orion MI, Cindi (Ronan) Bishop and her husband Joe of Mendon, Tracy Ronan of Medfield , Jackie (Ronan) Bailey and her husband Rob of Bellingham, Judy Ronan of Boston and Alison (Ronan) Johnson and her husband Scott of Framingham; seven grandchildren: Matthew and Patrick Ronan, Britt (Bishop) Kahler and Brandon Bishop, Emma and Abbey Johnson, Jillian Bailey and one great-granddaughter Ronan Rae Kahler. He is also survived by his brother John and his wife Nancy of Braintree and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Donald Ronan of Boston. Jim was born in Boston, the son of the late John C. and the late Josephine (Dunn) Ronan. He was a graduate of Boston English High School, Class of 1946. He enlisted in the US Army upon graduation from high school, serving stateside for two years in the 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper. He was a graduate of Boston College, Class of 1952 and later earned an MBA from Clark University in 1974. He was employed for 25 years at the former Draper Corporation in Hopedale, working as a Quality Control Manager. Later he held the position of Vice President of Manufacturing at Pneumatic Scale Corporation in Quincy. Jim was a resident of Hopedale for most of his adult life where he was active in the community, serving as a member of the Planning Board for over 20 years and Chairman of the Hopedale Combined Charities for several years. Jim loved competing in sports. He often shared stories of playing baseball in the Boston Parks League. For many years, he played in the men's basketball league at Draper Gym where he earned a reputation as a "bruiser under the boards". Jim was an avid golfer and a longtime member of the Hopedale Country Club. When not on the golf course, he could be found on the patio overlooking the 9th hole, watching and encouraging family and friends. Jim's dedication to lifelong learning was an inspiration to all who knew him. He spent many hours in the local library pursuing his diverse interests. Recently, Jim shared a collection of his poems with family and close friends that will be treasured for years to come. Along with writing poetry, listening to music was another one of his favorite hobbies. Although he loved all kinds, classical music was his passion. He also enjoyed spending time at the Cape and could often be found sitting on his favorite bench at a beach his family lovingly came to call "Dad's Beach". His family and friends especially enjoyed his humor, particularly his witty one-liners. Later in life, he found joy teaching his grandchildren to read and guiding them in their many pursuits. He will be remembered as a loyal friend, a patient teacher and a dedicated grandfather. Relatives & friends are invited to extend condolences to his family on Saturday (March 22nd) from 10am to 12 NOON at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford MA. Burial services will be private. Visit www.edwardsmemorialfuneralhome.com for condolence book. Memorial donations may be made to The Cancer Care Fund @ MRMC, c/o Milford Regional Medical Center, 14 Prospect Street, Milford MA 01757. Published in Milford Daily News from Mar. 16 to Mar. 17, 2014 Memories Menu HOME |