James Michael Cronin

James "Jim" Michael Cronin, 86, of Attleboro, MA, passed peacefully from this Earth at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Garden Place Health Care in Attleboro. He was the beloved husband of Brita Elizabeth (Welsh) Cronin, his high school sweetheart, whom he wed in 1953 and to whom he was married for almost sixty-five wonderful years.Born at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro on April 15, 1932, he was the youngest child of the late Daniel Patrick Cronin and the late Mary F. (O'Sullivan) Cronin.Raised and educated in Attleboro, he graduated from Attleboro High School in 1951, having been a member of the football, track, wrestling, and basketball teams. He continued his education at the University of Rhode Island. His education was interrupted by his service in the military. Jim proudly and honorably served our country in the United States Army as a high speed radio operator stationed in Germany from 1953 until 1956. Later, he completed his education at Bridgewater State with a degree in Earth Science.Jim was employed at the Sisalkraft Paper Company in Attleboro prior to working for LeachGarner in Attleboro Falls until his retirement in 1997.A man of great faith and integrity, he was a member of Murray Unitarian Universalist Church in Attleboro. He was a proud member and past Commander of the Attleboro VFW, Post #115. For many years, Jim worked with his wife in the family's plant business, "Deco". He and Brita enjoyed extensively traveling throughout the world. In addition to his wife, Brita, he was the loving father of Kevin S. Cronin of Valdosta, GA, and the late Keith James Cronin, who died on December 10, 2004. He was the adoring grandfather of four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Jim was the dear brother of Thomas Cronin of Narragansett, RI, and Una Blackjohn of Kinsgton, RI, and was predeceased by his siblings: John, William, Daniel, Gerald, and Josephine. He leaves many nieces and nephews.Friends and family are cordially invited to honor and remember Jim by gathering for a Memorial Visitation with Veteran's Honors on Thursday, July 26, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the "Commonwealth Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA.A Memorial Service will be held at Murray Unitarian Universalist Church, Attleboro, at a later date and time to be announced, as well as a Graveside Service in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 84916, Boston, MA 02884.For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200