James J Minns

GARDNER – James J. Minns, 90, of Gardner died Tuesday, February 27, 2018 in the Heywood Hospital Gardner. He was born April 17, 1927 in Gardner, the son of Carl “Red” Minns and Florence (Kelley) Minns. He grew up in Gardner and graduated from Gardner High School with the class of 1944. He attended Temple University. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the United States Army. James was a Field Representative for the Massachusetts State Lottery for many years, retiring in 1989. He was a Ward 4 Councilor for the City of Gardner for 22 years. He was a member of the Gardner VFW, Gardner American Legion and a former member of the Jackson Eagles. He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church. He enjoyed reading, hunting, tinkering around the house, World War II history. He was an avid sports fan and was a New England Patriots fan. He leaves his wife of 65 years, Beverly M. (Eliason) Minns; three daughters, Karen Minns of Gardner, Ann E. Minns of Otter River, Brenda J. Minns and her husband William Grasmuck of Otter River; two sons, Brian J. Minns of Harwich, MA, Kevin J. Minns of Gardner, a daughter-in-law, Laurene Minns of Gardner, three grandchildren Emily Minns of Gardner, Meredith Minns of Gardner, Erin Minns of Harwich; one great granddaughter Lennon Hadfield of Harwich and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Raymond Minns, Edward Minns, Charles Minns and by one sister, Katherine Landry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 11 a.m. in Holy Spirit Church 50 Lovewell St., Gardner. Burial with military honors will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Gardner. Calling hours will be held Friday, March 2, 2018 from 5 to 7 PM at the Lamoureux–Smith & Poliks Funeral Home 105 Central St., Gardner. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Sisters of Saint Joseph‘s retirement fund 287 Essex St., Holyoke, MA 01040 or to Holy Family Academy 99 Nichols St., Gardner, MA 01440. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Lamoureux–Smith & Poliks – A Mack Family Funeral Home 105 Central St. Gardner is directing arrangements