James H. Deal

James Henry “Jim” Deal, 61, of Boylston, Massachusetts, passed away on September 3, 2026, following a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on January 29, 1965, in Pennsylvania to Suellen (Finn) McIntosh, Jim spent his childhood in Ashland, Maine, where he was raised by his mother and father, Howard McIntosh. Though life eventually took him elsewhere, northern Maine would always be home in a way.

Shortly after high school, Jim left Maine for Massachusetts, where he built a life with his wife, Penny. Jim and Penny shared 41 years of marriage and raised their two children together. He spent many years working for Bestway of New England before joining the Town of Boylston Highway Department.

Jim was a quiet, uncomplicated man who didn't need much to make him happy. He wasn't one for a lot of words, but he usually wore a mischievous grin that said plenty. Family was especially important to Jim, and much of what mattered most to him came down to simply spending time with the people he cared about. He was generous with his time and was the kind of person people knew they could turn to. If something was broken, there was a good chance Jim could fix it. If someone needed a hand, he would lend one. He enjoyed tinkering with just about anything with an engine, whether it belonged to himself, family, or a friend. Helping people was simply part of who he was.

Some of Jim's happiest times were spent at the place he simply called “camp,” on the family land in Ashland where he had grown up. It was a place to return to his Maine roots, ride his four-wheelers, and spend time with family and friends. Many of those times were shared with his childhood friend, Phil Martin. Their friendship began as boys growing up in Ashland and lasted throughout Jim's life.

That same importance Jim placed on family kept him connected to people in different places. He treasured the time he spent each year with his mother's side of the family, the Finns, in Pennsylvania. His family there held a special place in his life, and those visits remained important to him through the years. He also enjoyed time with Penny's family in Massachusetts, who were part of his life for more than four decades.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Suellen (Finn) McIntosh and Howard McIntosh.

He leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Penny; a son, Andrew (AJ) Deal; and a daughter, Heather, and her husband, Abraham Pagan, and their three children.

He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Brenda (McIntosh) Fuller; Scott McIntosh and his wife, Sherry; Dale McIntosh and his wife, Lina; Denise Deal and her partner, Domonic; Theresa Spooner and her partner, Frank; Peggy Boucher; and Raymond McIntosh; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Among those nephews is Chris Michalka and his wife, Crystal. Though uncle and nephew by relation, Jim and Chris were close enough in age that the two shared a bond much more like brothers.

He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and coworkers who shared in his life over the years.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Pine Grove Cemetery on Scar Hill Road in Boylston, Massachusetts.

Jim loved his rescued dogs. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory are invited to make a donation to the Sterling Animal Shelter, https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/sterlingshelter

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