James Melanson

Haverhill – James L. Melanson, 64, passed away December 15, 2018 at Academy Manor Nursing Home in Andover with his loving family by his side.Born in Haverhill, he was the son of the late Joseph L. and Rita M. (Natalino) Melanson. Raised and educated in Haverhill, he was a graduate of Haverhill High School, Class of 1972. James was employed at the former AT&amp T as a cable assembler and he was a carpenter, building houses throughout the City of Haverhill. He loved fishing and enjoyed spending time on his boat. James was well known in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest catch of a great white shark with a rod and reel, weighing in at over 1000 pounds, caught off the coast of Montauk, NY. A devoted father and grandfather, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, watching sports and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.James is survived by his daughters, Dawn M. Chute and her husband David A. of Haverhill Teresa Gleed of Haverhill sisters, Kathy L. Bisol and her husband Michael J. of Atkinson, NH Laurie A. Grasso and her husband Leonard of Lampassas, TX brothers, Gary J. Melanson of Haverhill Joseph L. Melanson of Seattle, WA two grandchildren, Lucas Chute and Bentley Gleed his former wife and caregiver, Marie Melanson of Haverhill.Funeral services will be private. Arrangements are by the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Donations may be made in his memory to the Joslin Diabetes Center, 145 Rosemary Street, D, Needham, MA 02494. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com