James Karos

Karos, James M, age 56, died peacefully at his home in Roslindale on June 1, 2023 after bravely fighting a very aggressive form of cancer. Despite a bleak prognosis, James (or as his family called him “Jim,” “Jimmy,” and “Mij”) fought tooth and nail for 8 months, supported by his family, friends, and an incredibly compassionate, dedicated, and hardworking team of professionals at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Even in sickness, Jim maintained a strong sense of optimism, joy, and a striking ability to make everyone laugh, spreading his love of life and making memories with his family despite the constant pain from his condition.

Jim was a loving husband and best friend to his wife, Clare (Galvin) Karos, with whom he shared a lifetime's worth of giggles and spontaneous adventures. Clare and Jim supported each other to the very end, celebrating their 30 year marriage anniversary on May 15, 2023. Jim was a wonderful father to three beautiful daughters; Christina, Julia, and Mikayla, who remember him as a supportive, affectionate, and good-natured dad. He is also survived by his father, James Karos, and three sisters; Debbie Burke, Diane Karos, and Mickie Karos. Jim was close to his mother, Sally (Olsson) Karos who passed away in 2002. Jim’s family finds solace in knowing that Jim will be reunited with her in Heaven. Jim was known as the “funcle” (a.k.a. “fun uncle”) by dozens of nieces and nephews. Jim was also loved by his many living cousins, uncles, aunts, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and friends.

Jim was born on April 20, 1967 to James and Sally Karos. He spent his childhood with his sisters, cousins, and friends, playfully roaming the streets of Charlestown (and getting in lots of trouble). He graduated from Malden Catholic High School in 1986 and went on to study aviation mechanics at East Coast Aero Technical School. After many years as an airplane mechanic, Jim became a service technician at Verizon, taking pride in doing every job the right way and going above and beyond for every customer. Jim was beloved by his union brothers and sisters in IBEW local 2222, who truly showed the meaning of solidarity as they supported his family through his sickness.

Jim was a renaissance man who was involved in too many hobbies to count. He loved history and preserved it through his endeavors with the Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources, spending many years documenting a historical shipwreck in the Chelsea Creek. Jim had a passion for coin collecting, metal detecting, and anything involving history. Jim was an animal lover, who enjoyed many pets over his lifetime, especially his dogs Romeo, River, and Clementine, whose affection was a source of comfort and strength throughout his sickness. He had a passion for the ocean, spending many hours scuba diving with his father, James Michael, and his nephew, James Patrick. In recent years, he became involved in the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston and loved taking pictures of the sun, moon, and planets with his telescope. Jim was very proud of the beautiful garden he created during the COVID pandemic.

Jim’s family extends their sincere thanks to Dana Farber Cancer Institute. They also want to thank Good Shepherd Community Care for allowing Jim to live the end of his life peacefully at home.

Visiting hours on Wednesday June 7, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in The Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday June 8, in the funeral home at 10:30 am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Jim to support cancer research and patient care at:

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

P.O. Box 849168

Boston, MA 02284

or via dana-farber.org/gift.

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