On February 2, 2026 James C. Contis (Jim) passed away six years to the month after his wife, Carolyn. He died peacefully in the presence of family. He faced death bravely, telling his family he would miss them the evening before passing. Jim was not only a loving husband and caring father but a good friend and dedicated member of the community. Born in Southbridge, MA to Charles D. and Eva Contis he spent his first three years in Revere before moving to Melrose where he hunted and fished and caused trouble in the woods, eventually graduating from Melrose High School. His sister bravely ate the ducks he brought home but thought they were the foulest fowl imaginable.
Both of his parents had emigrated from the same village in northern Greece and Jim embraced that heritage traveling to Greece and the village a number of times.
After attending Harvard he relocated to New York to work as a stock broker. There he met his wife of 54 years, being introduced by mutual friends because of their quirky laughs. After getting married in NYC they moved to Commonwealth Ave and then Cohasset. It was there they raised two children, a rabbit and 2 dogs. He was an active participant in the town including the board of the Sandy Beach Association.
Jim worked for years with his father in graphic design with an office at 77 Summer Street in Boston on accounts such as Polaroid, Necco and Gillette and eventually taking over the business. He enjoyed fishing, bird hunting, and spending time with family and friends. He had a sharp wit, read extensively and was easily lured into ice cream, home made cookies and other treats. It wasn't long before the neighborhood learned that their home was where the treats were and Jim and Carolyn made sure the door was always open to them.
His creativity blended well with his passion for the outdoors. He tied thousands of trout, salmon and bass flies over the years and filled the house with photographs of Cohasset, Paragon Park and Carolyn's garden.
As a father he was a chief supporter of his children who attended nearly every game, play, science fair no matter how far or small. He was a great friend, role model and resource for advice and knowledge and not above offering up a harmless fib if it made him chuckle inside.
There was a calm to his demeanor. He was just as happy watching fish break or others fish than actually fish himself. Observing the moment was sometimes as important as participating. This was Jim's ying to Carolyn's community yang.
Besides thousands of uncaught fish and unfinished flies, Jim leaves two children, Jay (wife Lisa) of Marblehead and Kristen of Topsfield and three grandchildren; Gage, Kallie and Eva who will all miss his humor, advice, support and love. He also leaves a sister Madeline of Falmouth and her three children, Melanie, Charlie and Tony (wife Becky). In addition, he leaves a gap in the lives of innumerable friends, neighbors past and present and others whom he has touched.