GLEASON

James Joseph, of Philadelphia, PA, age 63, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2023 surrounded by his family and close friends. He was the son of Jean F. (Hesenius) and the late Leo V. Gleason.

James was born in Providence, RI on September 23, 1959. After being raised in Weymouth, MA, he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in French with a minor in Russian from the Ohio State University in 1981. He further went on to receive his Flight Dispatch License from La Direction Generate de l'Aviation Civile, Paris, France. James was employed for thirty years by Air France which allowed him to spend both his professional and personal life between France and the USA. After postings in New York, Washington DC and Philadelphia, he retired as Station Manger of Boston in 2018.

Bi-lingual with French and a life long student of additional languages, James had a passion for his career in aviation and, being ever curious, nothing compared to traversing a new, exciting destination: from safari in South Africa, sailing the Nile, elephant trekking in Thailand to fishing for piranha up the Amazon and exploring all the iconic cities of Europe many times over. The consummate traveler with 60+ countries in his pocket, he never ceased to plan his next adventure! James was a keen genealogist throughout his entire life having compiled and published a Family History consisting of five volumes. He continuously read the English, French and Russian Classics, very much enjoyed Art History and skiing the French, Austrian and Italian Alps. Though he frequently stated that his home was wherever he laid his head, we all know that his favorites were Philadelphia, Paris and Thailand. He also believed that, when it was time to leave this world, it would be his best journey ever! Despite his long battle with cancer, James never ceased pursing education: after his retirement, starting Martial Arts, receiving a Green Belt in such, taking classes in Arabic and most recently, a student at the School of  Theological studies at Saint Charles Seminary.

James is survived by his mother, Jean F. (Hensenius) Gleason of Medfield, MA, and siblings: Leo and his wife Michelle of Plainville, MA, Mark of Medfield, MA, Kathleen and her husband David Reilly of Medfield, MA, Mary Elizabeth of Delware, and John and his wife Dawn of Maryland. He is also survived by 24 nieces and nephews . James will be dearly missed by his closest friends, Justin Kim of Philadelphia and Alvaro Fernandez of Atlanta, as well as many close and dear friends from the states and abroad.

Friends and family are kindly invited to attend a Funeral Mass which will be celebrated at 10:00 am, on Friday, May 5, 2023 at Old St. Joseph Catholic Church  at 321 Willings Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106. A Committal Service will occur at a later date at Holy Cross Cemetery, 175 Broadway St., Malden, MA. To light a candle in James' memory, please visit the funeral home website at www.deadyfuneralhome.com .

The Family and close friends wish to send a special thank you to the staff at the Kimmel Cancer Center. Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA for their care and compassion over many years.