James G. Hart

James G. Hart (Jim) was born October 14, 1934, in Belmont, son of the late James Edward Hart and Sarah (Hogan) Hart. Raised in Belmont, he was a graduate of Belmont High School with the class of 1952 and joined the Navy, where he proudly worked as a dental assistant. He married Mary Ellen Sliney of Belmont on April 8, 1961. The love of his life, she passed away in May of 2024 after 63 wonderful years together. Longtime residents of Waltham in the Waverly Square, Francis’ Food Market, Dean Dairy triangle, they raised five children and later moved to Clinton where they lived for over ten years and moved to Maynard in 2022. 

Aside from his children and grandchildren, he was most proud of his service as a Belmont Firefighter. He served from 1960-1994 and achieved the rank of Lieutenant. He worked in fire houses in Belmont Center, Waverly Square and at one point out of a building at McClean Hospital. He loved a parade and would march in his uniform handing out candy and smiles. His fellow firefighters admired him for his talent as an artist as he drew characters on the walls of the stations he worked. He always had a joke or an off-color remark to add to the ball-busting that so frequented the firehouse. And most importantly, his fellow members trusted and relied on him in every situation.

When he was not at the firehouse, James loved spending his time close to home. He was most happy with a glass of wine in the evening and a scratchie. He was all-in on Boston sports but particularly the Sox and Bruins. When he wasn't working, he was usually baking for his children. They would often arrive home from school to the smell of butterscotch brownies and chocolate chip cookies. Along with baking, he was a constant chauffer, driving to dance lessons and little league, cheerleading and girl scouts. He was also a handyman, working part time at the Home for Little Wanderers. He re-shingled and painted our house and also decorated cards, letters and garage doors. The garage at 195 Sycamore Street always had a heart painted on it in one form or another. He loved his summer days on Sagamore Beach with all his children and grandchildren gathered around him, judging a heart rock contest or staring out at a passing ship. You could win his heart with a smile and some Brigham's ice cream, rum Bubuhs or apple pie.

Jim leaves his children, Michael J. Hart of Clinton, Kathleen Hart Young (Edward) of Springboro, Ohio, Stephen T. Hart (Julie) of Quincy, Kevin E. Hart (Amy) of Maynard and Sarah A. Lynch (Andrew) of Sudbury; his grandchildren, Noah, Jake, Lily, Thomas, John, Jane, Jason, Julia, Ava and Aiden; his sister Mary’s children: Patricia, Margurite, Terrance and the late Arthur Leo and their families; and his extended family, Thomas Sliney (late Nancy) of Waltham, Richard Sliney (Maureen) of Yarmouth and the late Paul and Ronald (Rose) Sliney; also survived by many nieces & nephews. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Jim’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Thursday, November 7th from 4 to 7 p.m., followed immediately by a short farewell service at the funeral home.