February 21, 1942 – March 9, 2026
James J. Nugent, Jr. of Hales Location, North Conway, New Hampshire, and Reading, Massachusetts, passed away on March 9, 2026, at the Bear Mountain Rehabilitation in Reading. He was 84 years of age.
Jim was born on February 21, 1942, in Malden, Massachusetts, the son of James J. Sr. and Alice (Reilly) Nugent. Jim attended Malden Catholic High School, graduated in 1960, and is a member of the 1960 hall of fame hockey team. Jim’s professional career in public health extended decades. He served as Director of Public Health in several communities, including Lynnfield, Reading, Wakefield, Winchester, as well as presiding on several local & state boards.
James was the beloved husband of the late Laurea (James) Nugent. Devoted father of James M. Nugent and his wife Jennifer of Lee; David R. Nugent and his wife Michelle, and Christopher J. Nugent and his wife Susan, all of Reading. Loving grandfather of Jared, Luke, Peter, Kaitlyn, Courtney, Jack, Declan, and Rori. Jim was also blessed with 8 great grandchildren; Kiera and Clark Nugent, Shannon, Elizabeth and Madeline Nugent, Tucker and Everly Nugent, and Braydon Cardwell.
A visitation will be held at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 9-10 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas-Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave, Wilmington, MA, at 10:30 am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial is private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in James’s memory to https://www.maldencatholic.org/giving/campaign-launch
Arrangements under the direction of the Douglass, Edgerley, and Bessom Funeral Home in Reading. douglassfuneralhome.com
