Obituaries

I remember him playing the flute in 2013. Mesmerizing music and a lovely human being. Our thoughts and prayers are with you - Debbie and Anne

Posted by Sampada Shevde on March 26, 2015

Jim was about the best neighbor you could hope for. Kind, generous, and a great friend and role model. We always looked forward to joining in his performances with his band and to joining in the warmth of a gathering at the Gleasons. A great man and one I am proud to have had the opportunity to be around. The whole family will miss you and have you in our prayers Jim.

Posted by David and Liza Hubbard on March 25, 2015

Jim was so kind and a nice Guy. He was a good cook too. The salmon fish he cooked was so delious. God will take care of him in another world.

Posted by Peng on March 24, 2015

There are no words to express how saddened we are about Jim’s passing. So many endearing thoughts come to mind when we think of him – such a kind, gentle, vibrant, generous, fun-loving, engaging and talented soul. As a neighbor and friend he was always so welcoming and made us feel like he had all the time in the world to chat or help out. Yet I know he had more engagements and commitments than most of us ever will. I remember when I called him on Christmas Eve day, in desperation, a few years back. My daughter had made a present for her grandparents that was coming unglued, falling apart, and we did not know how to fix it, nor did we have the proper tools. Jim, without hesitation, told us to come right over and he fixed it in his workshop – as patient as can be, as if he had absolutely nothing better to do on that day! Now whenever we hear Irish music or drink Laphroaig, we will think of Jim and raise a glass…

Posted by Kathleen Ackerman on March 17, 2015

Such a loss - He was a man of such talent and spirit. We are happy to have the memory of him and our son Thom collaborating with music for Ryan and Juliet's wedding. OUR thoughts and prayers are with you.

Posted by Jackie and Fred Dunn on March 16, 2015

JIM, BRIGHT STAR. HE ALWAYS SPREAD LIGHT AND SHINE EVERYONE AROUND HIM. OUTSTANDING TEACHER, BRILLIANT PERSON AND WONDERFUL SOUL. HE ALWAYS LIGHTED OUR LIVES AND MADE US BETTER PERSON SHARING HIS KNOWLEDGE AND LOVE FOR HELP OTHERS. NOW, HE CONTINUES TO SHINE AND TO SEND US LIGHT FROM UP ABOVE ON THE SKY . NOW; JIM IS ANGEL STAR AND HE WILL ALWAYS BE PRESENT IN OUR HEART AND MEMORIES. I HAD THE PLEASURE AND HONOR OF BEING A STUDENT OF THIS WONDERFUL TEACHER. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. MY BEST THOUGHT AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY.

Posted by Andrea DeSousa on March 13, 2015

Jim was a generous spirit in all walks of his life and we received his essence and devotion through friendship. When my husband I were very ill ten years ago, we called Jim and Debbie for some help. We had been given a small tree, but were too weak at the time to plant it. The Gleasons quickly dropped everything and arrived with tools and some "fresh" animal fertilizer! With Jim's special care that tree thrives today. To honor the man who treated people and all living things with an unconditional love, we will plant in his memory this spring. It was a privilege to have spent time with Jim and we will strive to emulate his gracious ways.

Posted by Nancy O\'Neill on March 12, 2015

Seeing Jim at the Shriver Center always put a smile on my face. What a talented and wonderful man, with such a positive outlook and so modest about his many accomplishments. The world has lost one of its gems. I am grateful for the opportunity to have known him. Jim, you will be greatly missed.

Posted by Emily Rubin on March 12, 2015

Debbie and Anne I am so very sorry for your loss. I will continue to cherish my time spent with Jim in Blackbird. Even after more than 30 years I remember the joy of playing music with him. My thoughts are with you both.

Posted by John Browne on March 12, 2015

my sincere condolences Debbie.I have not met Jim but from what i hear,he was a great man.so sorry for your loss.

Posted by mona indargiri on March 12, 2015

Jim was truly an inspiring teacher and a generous soul. Our son Theo loved his therapy on horseback, mostly because he didn't even know he was doing therapy! Too much fun. I will always remember Jim's wonderful smile and boundless enthusiasm for all individuals of different abilities. Feel truly blessed for having known Jim.

Posted by Jean Batty on March 12, 2015

I was so sad to hear of Jim's passing. My sincere condolences to his family and his very large network of co-workers and colleagues from many years of amazing work on behalf of children and adults with disabilities. I first met Jim as a fellow participant on an early intervention stakeholder group, and then was delighted to find out he would be one of my professors at the Shriver LEND program. He was truly an inspirational person taken much too young.

Posted by Jennifer OLeary on March 12, 2015

I'm remembering the photo of that really large striped bass Jim caught one chilly June day a couple of years ago. Debbie - I am so, so sorry for your loss.

Posted by Mary Burdick on March 11, 2015

Jim - what a kind and gentle man - dedicated to all he worked with, we will miss you in so many ways. My thoughts turn to numerous trips to Washington DC to advocate for people with disabilities. Thank you Jim for all your contributions!

Posted by David Helm on March 11, 2015

Jim was such a rich person: survived by a large and loving family and admiring friends; loved Irish music and playing for others; was passionate about his work to help those with disabilities; taught so many of us with patience, care and humor. Jim, you have left us so many gifts. You will be missed so much and remembered with deep affection by all. Thanks so much for your friendship and for so many great memories.

Posted by Elaine Gabovitch on March 11, 2015

Jim's music inspired me and created years of wonderful memories, starting at The Horse and Hounds in Allston-1978, to the John Stone Inn in Ashland in 2013. Thank you Jim for your warmth, musicianship, and welcoming smile. Safe Journey!! Debbie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Posted by Helen Kisiel on March 11, 2015

In addition to being the consummate professional in the field of developmental disabilities, Jim was one of the most decent and gracious human beings I have known in my lifetime.

Posted by Art Stoumbelis on March 10, 2015

We will miss you Uncle Jim. You were a great uncle! We went to church and prayed for you today.

Posted by Timmy and Matthew Gleason on March 10, 2015

Jim was one of kind -- a true advocate for people with disabilities, a man of integrity, a gifted musician, and a devoted family man. He lives on in our hearts and memories; we are grateful and honored to have known and worked with him.

Posted by Carol Curtin on March 10, 2015

Ah, so many images of Jim, with grace, watching and listening deeply during chaotic conversations or challenging debates,-- by his calming comments reminding us of our "better selves." And images of him evaluating children with disabilities, sensing through touch and gaze what they might do to lead their own lives more fully. And playing, on stage, about to burst with music from within. Kindness, always kindness. Thank you for the presence of your life.

Posted by Mary Brady on March 10, 2015

What a great man Jim was and is! He was such a dedicated advocate for all those with disability! He was a true champion and leader in the field! He also was a beacon of strength for his colleagues especially in helping them reach their goals.

Posted by Tom Maloney on March 10, 2015

Jim was simply one of the finest human beings I ever had the privilege to call my friend. His perspective on all things life helped shape who I am today. I can only hope to pay it forward half as well.

Posted by Daniel Shannon on March 10, 2015

A truly remarkable man. Impacted so many people. A life well lived.

Posted by BB on March 10, 2015

Jim was a great friend and colleague to Special Olympics. He touched so many lives in such a positive way. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Posted by George Kent on March 10, 2015

Jim brought so much love to his family and friends, and so much musical merriment to the Irish community, and so much independence to people all around the world who have physical disabilities. He lived life well. I'm so very sorry for your loss, Debbie and Annie.

Posted by Laurie Hudson on March 10, 2015

I am so sorry, Debbie, to learn of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Posted by Dorothy Fitzmaurice on March 10, 2015

It was both my honor and privilege to be a past student of Jims. His work lives on, with great impact. He has touched many lives and made them richer and fuller. His loss is immeasurable and will be greatly felt amongst us all. Jim, his family and his dearest friends are in our thoughts.

Posted by Helen Waldron on March 10, 2015