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James P.
O'Halloran
Apr 14, 1932 — Sep 10, 2025
Mr. James P. O'Halloran, Of Arlington, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on September 10, 2025. He was 93.
Jim, as he was affectionately known, was a bright light in the lives of all who knew him. His life was a testament to the power of family, love, compassion, and unwavering faith. He deeply touched the lives of those fortunate enough to know him, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Born and raised in Watertown, MA, Jim was the youngest of nine children of Helen (Manning) and Edward O'Halloran. He graduated from Boston College in 1954 with a degree in business and served honorably in the U.S. Army, until his discharge in 1956.
That same year, Jim began his distinguished career at Arthur Andersen LLP, where he rose to become an audit partner in 1967 and then played a pivotal role in leading the firm's International Division as Director of Arthur Andersen's Worldwide Small Business Practices. He retired from Arthur Andersen in 1990, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and mentorship.
Not one to slow down, Jim founded G & J Associates, Ltd., a financial consulting firm he led until 1999. From 1999 to 2017, he served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Secretary of Pegasystems. In 2005, he was elected to Pegasystems' Compensation Committee, where he served faithfully until 2017. He also held leadership roles as President and Chief Operating Officer of FabTech Industries served on the board of directors of Omtool Ltd.. Jim's passion for business endured well into his late 80s, when he finally retired.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jim was a man of many talents and passions. A gifted Irish tenor, and member of the SANS Chorus, he performed in concerts around the world, including a memorable solo of "Danny Boy" in Vietnam. His love of music was matched by his love of reading, traveling, skiing, and sailing. He found joy in fishing, gardening, and playing games like cribbage and Rummikub (and the occasional round of "Oh Sh!t").
Jim was known for his sweet tooth, especially the jellybeans, and always filling his glass to the rim. He had a place in his heart for everyone he met.
He valued education deeply and inspired his children and grandchildren to pursue excellence.
He was one of the good guys: a steady guide, a thoughtful thinker, and a devoted family man whose sense of adventure and warmth left a lasting mark on all who knew him.
Beloved husband of Joan (Freitas) O'Halloran. Devoted father of Lisa O'Halloran of West Dennis, Natalie O'Halloran, Maureen Olivier and her husband Peter, all of Woburn; Christopher Gray and his wife Caitlin Allen of Billerica; Kevin Gray of North Waterboro, Maine; the late Peter Gray and his widow Lisa of Billerica; and Sean Gray and his wife Jenna of Woburn.
Cherished "Grampi" to Matthew and Michael Olivier, Marie, John, Amanda, Matthew, Nathan, Emily, Adam, Ashlyn, William, Lauren, and Andrea Gray.
Calling Hours will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4 PM to 7 PM. A Funeral Procession will begin from the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.), Somerville, on Wednesday, September 17th at 9 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in St. Camillus Church, Arlington. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery, Arlington. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory may be made to Catholic Charities at www.ccab.org.
Tuesday
George L. Doherty Funeral Home
4:00 - 7:00 pm
Wednesday
George L. Doherty Funeral Home
Starts at 9:00 am
Wednesday
St. Camillus Church
Starts at 10:00 am
Wednesday
St. Paul Cemetery
Starts at 11:30 am
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