James J. Best
1/10/12
James J. Best, age 84, passed away peacefully. at Mass. Gen. Hospital in the company of his loving family, on Thursday, January 5, 2012.

Born in Boston, he grew up in Dorchester and graduated from St. Gregory School and Boston English H.S. A 45-year South Weymouth resident he enjoyed wintering in Spring Hill, FL. Mr. Best was a former Metropolitan Police Officer & retired MA ABCC Investigator & Police Chief of Stonehill College, as well as a late member of Chiefs of Police Retirement Assn., The Halifax Country Club and a WW II Navy Veteran. Active in sports, he was a former player for the Mattapan Merchants Baseball Team, and an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan.

The beloved husband of Anne H. (Garvey) Best, he is also survived by his devoted children; Kathryn M. Best-Manzo & her husband Peter, Andrew L. & his wife Lynne & Michael T., all of So. Weymouth, James J., Jr. & his wife Shelley of FL, his loving grandchildren; Michael, Jennifer, Stephanie, Julie & Daniel, his sister Virginia Lyons of Westwood and his brother Joseph Best of Randolph. He was the father of the late Matthew J. Best and brother of the late Gladys Ralph, John & Mary Best.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Church, So. Weymouth, on Monday, January 9. Visiting hours were held at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home, 326 Granite Ave., on Sunday, January 8. Interment in National Cemetery, Bourne. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made to Mass. General Hospital Benefits & Development Office, 165 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02114. Visit www.alfreddthomas.com.