James (Jim) J. McCauley

James (Jim) Joseph McCauley, age 62, of Newburyport, MA, Rye, NH and formerly of Everett, MA died unexpectedly on May 7, 2026 with his loving family by his side.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years Liz, his son James (Erin) and daughter Kaitlin (fiancé Josh Burnham). Jim is also survived by his sister, Janet (Domenic) DiNatale of Myrtle Beach, SC. Pre-deceased by his sister Carol McCauley of Southport, NC. He was Uncle Jim to Domenic DiNatale, Kensi Riley-Sturmer, Shane Riley and Jennifer Riley.

Born on August 30, 1963 Jim was the much loved son of the late James P and Ruth McCauley of Everett. A proud alumni of St. John’s Prep ’81 and Boston College ’85. Jim was lucky enough to spend all his summers (61 of them) at the family beach house in Rye where he made many “summer friends”, on the beach playing “Fox & Geese” or playing summer baseball. Relationships that lasted a life time. As a teenager Jim was very involved with the IC CYO of Everett. He recently attended a reunion which celebrated Fr. William Schmidt’s 50th year as a priest. Through the CYO he practiced his faith, built lasting friendships, DJ'd dances (Jim McCauley's Sound System), participated in theater productions (lead in Guys & Dolls), played organized sports, and learned to ski, a passion that he passed on to his children. The CYO gave Jim the foundation of faith, community, organizational and leadership skills that would serve him throughout his life.

Jim’s career in telecommunications spanned decades starting as a Sales Rep at MCI (where he had the great fortune of meeting Liz) and culminating as the Sales Director of Services for Nokia. Jim developed many lifelong relationships with the people he worked with. He was well liked and respected in his field. Jim’s career was a pathway to making life better and more enjoyable for his family, which he did perfectly.

Jim spent 6 years on the Newburyport Council and recently ran for the Mayor. Although that was not meant to be, the win was in the help, support and kindness that he received from the community. Jim was not one to ask for help, he was the giver, the doer. Jim’s ability to think outside the box was incredible and would shine at council meetings. He would reframe and debate policies/questions so that we could see all sides of the situation. Jim wanted the answer that would work best for everyone (true at work and home). It was never about Jim, it was about the city and the constituents.

Jim’s family was his world, nothing made him prouder than the family that he and Liz created together. How lucky we were that Jim worked from home, allowing him to be present for every school event, every game (coaching/proud parent) and home for dinner every night. Jim was hands-on in every sense: helping with homework (Knowledge is Power, he’d say), working on home projects large and small, sharing his love for the beach; bodysurfing and seaglass hunting, spending weekends in the White Mountains; skiing, hiking and leading the unforgettable Uncle Jim’s Adventure Camps. He also shared his love of music. Margaritaville radio was often the soundtrack of our home. He lived by his values and passed them on quietly but intentionally, teaching us the difference between wants and needs, the importance of taking care of what you have, investing in the future and always, always making room for adventures with just a carry-on bag.

Jim didn't teach lessons through lectures. He taught them through the way he lived — with integrity, selflessness, faithfulness, and an unconditional devotion to the people he loved. He was thoughtful with his words and deliberate with his actions. Our lives will never be the same, but they are immeasurably richer and more beautiful because of the memories and the love he gave us.

Jim’s celebration of life will begin on Thursday June, 25, 2026. The family will greet friends from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Funeral Home, 35 Green St., Newburyport, MA. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 10:30 am at St. Theresa’s Church, 820 Central Rd., Rye Beach, NH.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Jim’s memory to The Home for Little Wanderers, 72-74 E. Dedham St., Boston, MA 02118 www.thehome.org , or a charity of your choice. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Paul C Rogers Funeral Home, 35 Green St., Newburyport, MA 01950